Near Fillmore in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
St. Francis Dam Disaster
Three minutes before midnight on the night of March 12, 1928, the St. Francis Dam collapsed sending over twelve billion gallons of water and debris the length of the Santa Clara River Valley from San Francisquito Canyon through Piru, Fillmore, and Bardsdale to the Pacific Ocean fifty-four miles away.
In six hours more than 450 people were swept away, drowned in the dark and murky debris-filled water. Though some of the souls are buried here, many were never found. It was the worst man-made disaster of the 20th century.
On this 90th anniversary of the disaster, we remember you.
March 17, 2018, from the Communities of Piru, Bardsdale, and the City of Fillmore.
Erected 2018 by Fillmore Historical Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is March 12, 1928.
Location. 34° 21.644′ N, 118° 56.496′ W. Marker is near Fillmore, California, in Ventura County. Marker can be reached from South Sespe Street south of South Mountain Road, on the left when traveling south. Located in Bardsdale Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1698 South Sespe Street, Fillmore CA 93015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sycamore Tree (approx. 3 miles away); Fillmore's First Bank & Masonic Hall (approx. 3.1 miles away); 317 Central Avenue (approx. 3.1 miles away); Fillmore State Bank (approx. 3.1 miles away); 320 Central Avenue (approx. 3.1 miles away); 328 Central Avenue (approx. 3.1 miles away); 338 Central Avenue (approx. 3.1 miles away); 340 Central Avenue (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fillmore.
Regarding St. Francis Dam Disaster. Although many reports say the number of dead was over 450, recent research has found the number is close to 430.
On March 12, 2019, the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument was established.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. — St. Francis Dam Disaster Sites.
Also see . . . Thesis by Ann Stansell. A detailed study of the human loss, 2014. (Submitted on September 25, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on March 13, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 24, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.