Contributed by Teresa Douglass, Genealogy Specialist
This year marks the 89th anniversary of the 1937 Ohio River flood, one of the most devastating natural disasters to occur in our region. Spreading from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois, the flood left thousands homeless and caused millions of dollars in damage.
The flood took place in late January and early February of 1937 and impacted a multitude of cities and communities along the Ohio River. Record-breaking rainfalls fell atop already swollen water levels from early through mid-January, causing the Ohio to overflow its banks by the 18th of that month. In the Louisville area, water levels reached a peak of 57 feet on January 27th. At this time, approximately 70% of the city was underwater. New Albany and Jeffersonville were likewise affected, as were numerous small riverside communities in the region. In Harrison County, Indiana, the towns of Mauckport and New Amsterdam were all but destroyed. Downtown Corydon was also affected as Indian Creek spilled deeply into local streets. It was not until February 5th that water levels finally fell below the flood stage.
The flood washed away or severely damaged numerous homes in surrounding urban areas, leaving many families stranded. Flood victims from the New Albany and Jeffersonville areas, as well as local communities such as Mauckport, found shelter and aid throughout Harrison County. They were quartered in lodge halls and private homes throughout the county, and at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at the State Forest. Corydon served as the relief headquarters where lodging was arranged, and food, cots, clothing, and other supplies were dispersed.
Here are a few images from our Fires & Floods collection that document the devastation in our area.
Additional photos of the 1937 flood, including images of areas in Corydon and New Albany, are available in the FPG Center Digital Archives’ Fires & Floods collection.
Mauckport at the flood’s peak.
New Amsterdam on February 2, 1937, as the river was receding after nearly 3 weeks of having left its banks.
Rooftops and treetops are all that is visible of the Dam 43 area in Taylor Township.
Victims of the flood stand on the steps of the Masonic Temple in Corydon as they wait to receive needed supplies.
Donated goods are stacked along the sidewalk in front of the Masonic Temple.
