1“The National Calamity”
2The Rains Come…
MOORESVILLE BRIDGE CLOSEUP
3Caught Unawares
In 1913, there were no Doppler systems, radio stations, or televised news broadcasts in Indiana. Residents were completely unprepared for the magnitude of the storm and subsequent flooding. Â
4Indianapolis Levees Totter
On Monday, Indianapolis levees began to falter. Water flooded streets near the levees, eventually breaching Indianapolis Water Company’s Riverside pumping station. Water service to the entire city halted.
5When the Levee Breaks
On Tuesday, the Morris Street levee failed. The Washington Street Bridge collapsed, cutting off the west side of Indianapolis from downtown. The bridges on Meridian St., College Ave., and Northwestern Ave. were also destroyed by flood waters. Illinois Street became impassible due to flooding. The only northbound street out of downtown Indianapolis to remain open was Capitol Ave.
6The Waters Isolate
In addition to the flooded streets and failed bridges across the state, railroad lines flooded out. In Indianapolis, the power house for downtown streetcar service was underwater, halting the city’s entire fleet of streetcars. Telephone service across the state was also disrupted.
7Making Do with MakeshiftÂ
BROAD RIPPLE SANDBAGS
8United in Disaster
Major violence seemed imminent, but tempers cooled when a nearby levee burst. A massive flood of water quickly submerged the entire area. The Vandalia Railroad Bridge collapsed, sending a parked freight train careening into the White River.
9High and Dry
Some people fled the area, taking shelter in local schools and community centers, heading for high, dry ground en masse. Others retreated to their attics as the water rose. They eventually became trapped inside their homes. By the time the river crested on Wednesday, at least 10,000 Indianapolis homes had flooded, along with tens of thousands across the state. Of those, 7,000 were destroyed.
10Measuring Disaster
An estimated 25 people had died in Indianapolis alone. How high did the water rise? Nobody knows for sure. The official gauge washed away in the flood. However, estimates have placed the river at least 19 inches above flood stage.
11The Waters Recede
By Friday, much of the flooding had receded. Water service and utilities had mostly been restored. The city began to assess damages. Indianapolis officials drew up comprehensive flood protection plans. It wasn’t until a second major flood hit in 1937 that a concrete levee was constructed along the White River. Â
12Once Was Bad Enough…
Replacing the Cumberland Covered Bridge
13Cross Your Fingers.
