Austin in Potter County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Austin Flood Disaster
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 4, 2004
1. Austin Flood Disaster Marker
On September 30, 1911, the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company dam broke here. This concrete dam, built in 1909, was nearly 50 feet high; 534 feet long. Its failure sent torrents of water and debris down Freeman Run into Austin and Costello, causing great destruction and killing at least 78 people. This second worst single-dam disaster in Pennsylvania inspired legislation (1913) to regulate the construction of dams in the state.
Erected 1994 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1775.
Location. 41° 39.171′ N, 78° 5.067′ W. Marker is in Austin, Pennsylvania, in Potter County. Marker is on Rugaber Street (Pennsylvania Route 872) 1.6 miles north of Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 607), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austin PA 16720, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Austin Dam Broke (here, next to this marker); Victims of Sept 30, 1911 Austin Flood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ms. Cora Brooks (about 400 feet away); History Of The Austin Dam And 1911 Flood
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Austin Flood Disaster - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAhistory.com (Submitted on January 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
2. The Austin Flood Remembered. By Sandra Downs, Tribune-Review, March 1, 1998. (Submitted on January 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
3. Austin Dam Memorial Association. (Submitted on February 3, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
4. Austin Flood Centennial information. (Submitted on April 15, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 28, 2011
2. Austin Flood Disaster Marker
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 4, 2004
3. Austin Dam ruins
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 30, 2004
4. Austin Dam Ruins
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 30, 2004
5. Austin Dam Ruins
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 4, 2019
6. Austin Flood Disaster Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 4, 2019
7. Austin Flood Disaster Marker
Photographed By A. Newman, circa 1911
8. Bayless Dam on Freemans Run, Austin, Pa. which burst Sept. 30, 1911.
Library of Congress [PAN US GEOG - Pennsylvania no. 50]
Photographed By A. Newman, 1911
9. Austin, Pa. after flood of Sept. 30, 1911.
Library of Congress [PAN US GEOG - Pennsylvania no. 27]
10. Austin Flood Disaster headlines
Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 28, 2011
11. Austin Flood Disaster Information Sign
Ruins of Austin Dam
Broke Sept 30 1911
78 Lives Lost
Broke Sept 30 1911
78 Lives Lost
Photographed By Unknown, 1911
12. Austin Dam Flood Disaster, on bank of Sinnemahoning Creek, Pennsylvania
Library of Congress
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,618 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on January 29, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1. submitted on January 24, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on May 30, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on January 24, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 4, 5. submitted on January 29, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6, 7. submitted on November 23, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 8, 9. submitted on January 25, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 10. submitted on February 3, 2011. 11. submitted on May 30, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 12. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
