Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Pond
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
1. The Pond Marker
At the turn of the 20th century, Winston's water reservoir was located at the top of Trade Street Hill, where Eighth and Trade Streets intersected. Disaster struck in the early morning hours of November 2, 1904, when people in the neighborhood were awakened by a loud thud and shudders "like an earthquake." The entire north wall of the reservoir had collapsed. An estimated 800,000-1,400,000 gallons of water rushed into the neighborhood, destroying houses, killing nine people and injuring many others. It is said that a city official looking over the flooded area remarked that it looked "like a pond," and the name has been associated with the area since that day. The reservoir collapse remains the most tragic day of Winston and Salem's history.Erected 2006 by Winston-Salem Historic Marker Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 2, 1904.
Location. 36° 6.63′ N, 80° 14.78′ W. Marker is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Bethel Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); B.F. Huntley Furniture Co. (approx. ¼ mile away); Lloyd Presbyterian Church (approx. half a mile away); Pythian Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Symbol of Service (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Depot Street Graded School Site (approx. 0.6 miles away); Downtown North Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winston-Salem.
Also see . . . Sanborn map (1900). This Sanborn map from 1900 shows the location of the reservoir. It's on the bottom right of the map. (Submitted on February 16, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.)
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
2. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
3. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
4. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
5. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 15, 2012
6. The Pond Marker
Photographed By Sanborn Insurance Map
7. Winston Reservoir - Before (1900 Sanborn Map)
Photographed By Sanborn Insurance Map
8. Ruins of Winston Reservoir (1907 Sanborn Map)
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox
9. Former Site of Winston Reservoir
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 878 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 3. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 7, 8. submitted on February 20, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 9. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
