A tornado struck New Albany at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 23, 1917, moving through the north side of town and affecting roughly ninety blocks. The mayor and others formed a Citizens Relief Committee, and the next morning the Red Cross joined forces with the committee; within hours, workers were deployed throughout the affected area. Red Cross nurses treated the injured at St. Edward Hospital. The tornado killed at least 45 people, injured hundreds more, destroyed approximately 300 homes and buildings, left 2,500 homeless, and caused over $1,000,000 in total damage. At this site, the Olden Street Colored School collapsed during the storm, trapping teachers and students, and several people died. The tornado ranks among the deadliest to strike Indiana since 1900.

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

New Albany, Indiana · USA