Austin in Potter County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
History Of The Austin Dam And 1911 Flood
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 4, 2019
1. History Of The Austin Dam And 1911 Flood Marker
The Austin Dam was built in 1909 to harness
water from Freeman Run to power
Paper Mill, the town's largest industry. While
the Bayless
the
citizens of Austin who worked at the
many
mill
were grateful for their jobs, others
questioned the stability of the dam and worried
what would happen if it
ever
broke.
On September 30, 1911, Austin found out.
Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain,
resulted in the dam's collapse. Over 400 million
gallons of water were released, destroying
everything in its path for eight miles. At least
seventy-eight people perished in the tragedy. It
the second
was
worst flood disaster in
Pennsylvania's history, and sixth worst dam
failure in US. history.
The fact that the remains of the dam still stand a
century later is truly remarkable. The Austen
Dam was placed on
Register of Historic Places in 1987. The
the U.S. National
lessons of the delicate balance between mankind
and nature, as well as corporate responsibility,
are as relevant today
they
were 100 years
as
ago.Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is September 30, 1911.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Austin Flood Disaster (a few steps from this marker); 78 Lost, No One Forgotten (within shouting distance of this marker); Victims of Sept 30, 1911 Austin Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Ms. Cora Brooks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Austin Dam Broke (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Austin Flood Disaster (about 400 feet away); The Bughouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Earthen Dam (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 4, 2019
2. History Of The Austin Dam And 1911 Flood Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
