Natural Disasters

Ross County, Ohio

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This file was contributed for use in the OHGenWeb Ross County by: Sandy Holladay

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1852: FIRE destroys much of downtown Chillicothe [see more here].

1898: FLOOD wreaked much damage to the east end of Chillicothe. Jackson School was partially covered with flood water. To protect a railroad bridge over the Scioto, a train was left on the bridge (to help weigh it down). Water came right to the bottom of the bridge. Part of the Main Street bridge was also damaged in the flood, and a temporary ferry was used for transportation until the bridge could be repaired.

1907: FLOOD destroyed Walnut Street footbridge. Water flowed into the old Scioto River bed in Yoctangee Park. An entire train fell into the flood waters when a track gave way to water damage.

1908: FIRE destroyed a flour mill built in 1833 near Fourth St. lock, in 1890 the mill had been converted from water power (from the canal) to steam power.

1913: FLOOD destroyed Paint Creek aqueduct because of flood damage. The Baltimore & Ohio rail line built a temporary track which ran in front of Chillicothe High School, where Yoctangee Parkway is today. All 48 acres of Yoctangee Park was full of water from this flood, sending water down Paint Street. This is considered to be the worst flood in Chillicothe's history. Hickory Street was destroyed from south of Main St. all the way to Fifth Street. Several deaths occured as a result of this flood, primarily on the east side of town.

1959: This flood is considered to be the last major flood in Chillicothe's history. Most of the area around Mount Logan School was damaged by the flood. Many houses had water near 2nd story high. The Baltimore & Ohio tracks also were damaged in the flood of 1959.