The Great Flood of 1913, The Collection - Introduction

More than eighty-five years ago one of the greatest natural disasters in the history of the nation struck the Miami Valley. Floodwaters of the Miami, Stillwater and Mad Rivers inundated the greater part of Dayton, claimed more than 300 lives in Dayton and surrounding areas, and brought more than $100,000,000 in property damage. Great fires that raged unchecked added to the destruction and the loss of life. This collection tells the story of this terrible flood.

The importance of this collection lies in the following:

It describes the disaster brought by Mother Nature, both in general terms and through the experiences of individuals;

It illustrates the Miami Conservancy District's initiatives to flood prevention;

It gives a good picture of the spirit of unity among Dayton's citizens who put community welfare above every other consideration.

1913: Preserving the Memories of Dayton's Great Flood, Proceedings of the Symposium - Sponsored by Dayton Metro Library, Ohio Humanities Council, Miami Conservancy District, Ohio Preservation Council and Beavercreek Women's League - [Pdf file 69,607KB]

Click here to view the 1913 Flood Postcard Collection Online

The Collection