Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Central Park

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009

1. Central Park Marker

Inscription. On May 31, 1889, Central Park was under 18 feet of water and tons of debris. Within a few days, however, the park was cleared off and transformed into a tent city for some of the 6,000 laborers and 580 members of the 14th Pennsylvania Regiment who came to help clean up and rebuild. Most of the workers were sent by the Booth and Flinn Company of Pittsburgh to help remove acres of debris, recover dead bodies, dispose of animal corpses, tear down dangerous structures, and clear the riverbeds. The State Militia, directed by Adjutant General Daniel Hastings, maintained order and coordinated the distribution of supplies to the various relief agencies in the Valley. Temporary shops eventually replaced the tent camps in the park, but throughout the month of June, “Johnstown was a cross between a mining town and a military camp.” The park reopened in 1892.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters • Heroes • Military • Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1780.

Location. 40° 19.529′ N, 78° 55.11′ W. Marker is in Johnstown,

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Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It is on Main Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is between Park Place and Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Johnstown PA 15901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Laurel Highlands.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Joseph Johns (a few steps from this marker); Alma Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Monument to the 54th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnstown Veterans and War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Greater Johnstown Flood Victims (within shouting distance of this marker); 28th Military Police Monument

Central Park and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009

2. Central Park and Marker

Looking north toward Gazebo and Park Place.

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Grand Army of the Republic Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribune Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnstown.

Central Park Marker Photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009

3. Central Park Marker Photo

Flood surviving buildings standing on Main Street: Griffith Drugstore, Alma Hall, Presbyterian Church.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,857 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.