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The Johnstown Flood 1889
The Johnstown Flood 1889: When a Dam Built for the Elite Killed Thousands
May 31, 1889. After days of torrential rain, the South Fork Dam above Johnstown, Pennsylvania bursts.
20 million tons of water unleash at 40 mph down Conemaugh Valley.
The 60-foot wall obliterates South Fork, East Conemaugh, Woodvale.
Entire trains weighing 170,000 pounds hurled like toys. 1,600 homes. 280 businesses. Gone.
Johnstown hit at 4:07 PM. Four square miles of downtown leveled. 2,209 dead—99 entire families.
Club members like Carnegie, Frick blamed but never prosecuted.
HistMuse reveals America's worst dam disaster—and the elite who escaped justice.
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By HistMuseThe Johnstown Flood 1889: When a Dam Built for the Elite Killed Thousands
May 31, 1889. After days of torrential rain, the South Fork Dam above Johnstown, Pennsylvania bursts.
20 million tons of water unleash at 40 mph down Conemaugh Valley.
The 60-foot wall obliterates South Fork, East Conemaugh, Woodvale.
Entire trains weighing 170,000 pounds hurled like toys. 1,600 homes. 280 businesses. Gone.
Johnstown hit at 4:07 PM. Four square miles of downtown leveled. 2,209 dead—99 entire families.
Club members like Carnegie, Frick blamed but never prosecuted.
HistMuse reveals America's worst dam disaster—and the elite who escaped justice.