Today in Wheeling History: February 17--The Ohio River crests at 42.7 feet in Wheeling during one of the city's more significant floods (1908).
The February 1908 flood was the eleventh largest flood in Wheeling's history since 1810. The flood crest reached 42 feet 7 inches at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 17, causing widespread disruption throughout the city and surrounding communities. Despite the high water, the financial impact was less severe than previous floods due to ample warning that allowed residents and businesses to prepare. The flood particularly affected Wheeling Island, South Wheeling, and the jobbing district along Main Street. On Wheeling Island, hundreds of homes were invaded by water, especially south of Florida Street. Many residents moved pianos and valuable items to safer locations in advance. The business district saw extensive preventive action, with companies like Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods, Wheeling Liquor Company, and numerous others moving goods to the upper floors. Public relief efforts were coordinated through the Wheeling Board of Trade, with over 120 poor families receiving assistance. The King's Daughters organization served hot soup at the Elks' Club. Most transportation was disrupted - the B&O Railroad suspended Ohio River division operations, and trolley service was limited. Despite the widespread flooding, there was no loss of life, and the community's preparation helped minimize property damage.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/bdeuezh2); Wheeling Daily Register (https://tinyurl.com/5xyfwm26) (https://tinyurl.com/trwmpvvj) (https://tinyurl.com/ywr4vhc3), The Daily Telegram, Clarksburg, WV (https://tinyurl.com/4dksuswc), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/rdtksru7)
Photo credits: Wheeling Register, Wheeling Intelligencer
The February 1908 flood was the eleventh largest flood in Wheeling's history since 1810. The flood crest reached 42 feet 7 inches at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 17, causing widespread disruption throughout the city and surrounding communities. Despite the high water, the financial impact was less severe than previous floods due to ample warning that allowed residents and businesses to prepare. The flood particularly affected Wheeling Island, South Wheeling, and the jobbing district along Main Street. On Wheeling Island, hundreds of homes were invaded by water, especially south of Florida Street. Many residents moved pianos and valuable items to safer locations in advance. The business district saw extensive preventive action, with companies like Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods, Wheeling Liquor Company, and numerous others moving goods to the upper floors. Public relief efforts were coordinated through the Wheeling Board of Trade, with over 120 poor families receiving assistance. The King's Daughters organization served hot soup at the Elks' Club. Most transportation was disrupted - the B&O Railroad suspended Ohio River division operations, and trolley service was limited. Despite the widespread flooding, there was no loss of life, and the community's preparation helped minimize property damage.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/bdeuezh2); Wheeling Daily Register (https://tinyurl.com/5xyfwm26) (https://tinyurl.com/trwmpvvj) (https://tinyurl.com/ywr4vhc3), The Daily Telegram, Clarksburg, WV (https://tinyurl.com/4dksuswc), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/rdtksru7)
Photo credits: Wheeling Register, Wheeling Intelligencer
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