Ironton 1937 flood   Save
Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: Two men in a small boat in front of the remains of Layne's Tailor Shop in Ironton. The greatest volume of water ever known to pass along Ohio's southern shores flooded all Ohio River communities during the last two weeks of January 1937. With damage stretching from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois, 1 million were left homeless, with 385 dead and property losses reaching $500 million, further worsened by the fact that it occurred during the Great Depression and just a few years after the Dust Bowl. Crests were 20 to 28 feet above flood stage and 4 to 9 feet above previous records. Six to 12 inches of rain fell in Ohio during January 13-25, 1937, totals never before or since experienced over such a large area of Ohio. January 1937 remains as the wettest month ever recorded in Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B15F04_003_012_017
Subjects: Flood; Industry; Works Progress Administration;
Places: Ironton (Ohio); Lawrence County (Ohio)