The Ohio River flood of 1907 was one of the worst floods Wheeling had suffered, cresting at 50.1 feet and causing widespread damage and suffering. The South Side of Wheeling was hit especially hard, with streets inundated, mills shut down, and many residents caught unprepared. Tragically, the flood claimed at least 13 lives, mostly Syrian immigrants who drowned amid the panic when the Warwick Pottery caught fire. Despite valiant rescue efforts, the rapidly rising waters swept away several children and caused utter devastation. The flood left Wheeling's industries halted, infrastructure damaged, and citizens reeling with losses estimated over $1 million in 1907 dollars. The newspapers attributed the severity of the flooding to the destruction of timber in the Ohio Valley, leaving nothing to hold back heavy rains.
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Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV