Delaware in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The March 1913 Flood
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2015
1. The March 1913 Flood Marker
close up, showing text
Inscription.
The March 1913 Flood. . The rain swollen Olentangy River flowed seven feet above the William Street Bridge during the March 1913 flood, the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history. Statewide, the flood claimed 428 lives and destroyed more than 20,000 homes. In Delaware,the death and destruction caused by the rain swollen river included 18 deaths and 57 homes demolished or damaged. Heavy rains pushed the river height to 32 feet., an amazing 23 feet above flood stage, swamping parts of the downtown and eastside. On March 25, bridges at Central Avenue, Winter Street and William Street were swept away. By noon that day, the Big Four railroad bridge, the last link between Delaware’s east and west side, gave way to the force of floodwaters and trapped debris, and was carried down- stream. Since the flood, better management of the Olentangy River watershed has improved water quality and safety, ensuring the river’s celebrated place in Delaware’s history.
The rain swollen Olentangy River flowed seven feet
above the William Street Bridge during the March
1913 flood, the greatest natural disaster in Ohio
history. Statewide, the flood claimed 428 lives and
destroyed more than 20,000 homes. In Delaware,the
death and destruction caused by the rain swollen river included 18
deaths and 57 homes demolished or damaged. Heavy rains pushed
the river height to 32 feet., an amazing 23 feet above flood stage,
swamping parts of the downtown and eastside. On March 25,
bridges at Central Avenue, Winter Street and William Street were
swept away. By noon that day, the Big Four railroad bridge, the
last link between Delaware’s east and west side, gave way to the
force of floodwaters and trapped debris, and was carried down-
stream. Since the flood, better management of the Olentangy River
watershed has improved water quality and safety, ensuring the
river’s celebrated place in Delaware’s history.
Erected 2013 by City of Delaware.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Disasters • Environment. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1913.
Location. 40° 17.934′ N, 83° 3.761′ W. Marker is in Delaware, Ohio, in Delaware County. Marker is at the intersection
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of William Street (U.S. 36) and Columbus Pike (U.S. 23), on the left when traveling east on William Street. marker is on a hiking trail, accessible off the sidewalk on William Street, between US 23 and the Olentangy River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 E William St, Delaware OH 43015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2015
2. The March 1913 Flood Marker
full view of marker, back side, same text. William Street Bridge is visible.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2015
3. The March 1913 Flood Marker
marker can be seen at a distance, looking north on the hiking trail from William Street, Olentangy River is to the right. Raised highway, US 23 is on the left.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2015
4. The March 1913 Flood
preserved photograph on the marker, a flood scene from 1913
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2015
5. The March 1913 Flood Marker
detail of the marker, although the header says "Delaware County Historical Society"; the text says "City of Delaware". Great collaboration.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 946 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 6, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
