The Flood Of 1913

On March 25, 1913, a combination of snowmelt, frozen ground, and 2.2 inches of rain caused the largest flood in Findlay's history. Sewers were unable to carry the water off and streets were flooded. Trolley cars were swept off their tracks. Water covered the Main Street Bridge and stood up to 3 feet deep in many South Main Street businesses. People were stranded in their homes for days, and phone, telegraph, and electric service in the city was off for more than 48 hours. One life was lost when Police Captain Albert "Bert" McGown drowned while rescuing people from an East Main Cross Street residence. More than $1,000,000 worth of property was destroyed. No later flood rivaled it until the flood in August 2007.

Findlay, Ohio · United States