Today in Wheeling History: March 11--The Ohio River reached a crest of 49.7 feet, causing the worst flood in 19 years in Wheeling, West Virginia, forcing the evacuation of approximately 500 families along a 75-mile stretch of the river valley and resulting in significant damage, disruption, and one fatality (1964).
In March 1964, Wheeling, West Virginia, experienced a devastating flood as the Ohio River crested at 49.7 feet, 13.7 feet above flood stage. The floodwaters spilled into downtown Wheeling for the first time in 10 years, forcing the closure of at least two stores. The water on Main Street extended from south of 16th Street to midway between 12th and 14th Streets, and also backed up on Market Street. The News Publishing Company was virtually surrounded by water, with Market Street being the only exit.
Approximately 100 families were evacuated in Wheeling, most of them from Wheeling Island, which was nearly covered by the flood waters. Sections of Center Wheeling were also hard hit, with homes in Fulton affected and Baker Street closed to traffic. The Wheeling Red Cross had nine boats in operation to assist with evacuations, while the Valley Radio Club provided communication support. The Ohio Valley Ambulance provided two ambulances for rescue operations.
The flood, the worst in 19 years for Wheeling, caused significant disruptions to daily life and industry. Wheeling Steel Corporation's plants in Benwood and Martins Ferry were taken out of production, and the Cleveland Graphite Bronze Company plant in Bridgeport was forced to close. Transportation was severely impacted, with the only apparent road access to Wheeling from the west and south being via the Glen Dale Heights Road, as Route 2 and U.S. Route 40 in Bridgeport and on Wheeling Island were closed.
Ohio County schools remained open but experienced reduced attendance, with Wheeling High reporting 430 out of 710 students absent and five out of 30 teachers unable to reach the school. Traffic jams developed in Wheeling due to sightseers, prompting a warning from Police Chief Louis Kulpa to remain out of the city unless necessary, as it could hamper relief and rescue operations.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/mt4k6vvc) (https://tinyurl.com/dzzve38x) (https://tinyurl.com/4bshw7vp) (https://tinyurl.com/3385278c)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling News-Register
In March 1964, Wheeling, West Virginia, experienced a devastating flood as the Ohio River crested at 49.7 feet, 13.7 feet above flood stage. The floodwaters spilled into downtown Wheeling for the first time in 10 years, forcing the closure of at least two stores. The water on Main Street extended from south of 16th Street to midway between 12th and 14th Streets, and also backed up on Market Street. The News Publishing Company was virtually surrounded by water, with Market Street being the only exit.
Approximately 100 families were evacuated in Wheeling, most of them from Wheeling Island, which was nearly covered by the flood waters. Sections of Center Wheeling were also hard hit, with homes in Fulton affected and Baker Street closed to traffic. The Wheeling Red Cross had nine boats in operation to assist with evacuations, while the Valley Radio Club provided communication support. The Ohio Valley Ambulance provided two ambulances for rescue operations.
The flood, the worst in 19 years for Wheeling, caused significant disruptions to daily life and industry. Wheeling Steel Corporation's plants in Benwood and Martins Ferry were taken out of production, and the Cleveland Graphite Bronze Company plant in Bridgeport was forced to close. Transportation was severely impacted, with the only apparent road access to Wheeling from the west and south being via the Glen Dale Heights Road, as Route 2 and U.S. Route 40 in Bridgeport and on Wheeling Island were closed.
Ohio County schools remained open but experienced reduced attendance, with Wheeling High reporting 430 out of 710 students absent and five out of 30 teachers unable to reach the school. Traffic jams developed in Wheeling due to sightseers, prompting a warning from Police Chief Louis Kulpa to remain out of the city unless necessary, as it could hamper relief and rescue operations.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/mt4k6vvc) (https://tinyurl.com/dzzve38x) (https://tinyurl.com/4bshw7vp) (https://tinyurl.com/3385278c)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling News-Register
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