Description - The Johnstown Flood occurred in 1889 bringing an end to the era of the Conemaugh Valley. Over 2,209 people died on that tragic Friday and thousands more were injured in one of the worst disasters in our Nation's history. The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is located in southwestern Pennsylvania encompassing nearly 165 acres. It preserves the remains of the South Fork Dam and portions of the former Lake Conemaugh bed. A visitor center features multimedia exhibits including a fiber-optic map which describes the path of the Flood. Walking trails to the north and south abutments of the South Fork Dam are available for visitor enjoyment. These trails are handicapped accessible and closed during the winter. A picnic area is located near the south abutment.
Attractions
- The rain continued as men worked tirelessly to prevent the old South Fork Dam from breaking. Elias Unger, the president of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, was hoping that the people in Johnstown were heeding the telegraph warnings sent earlier, which said that the dam might go. When it finally happened, at 3:10 P.M., May 31, 1889, an era of the Conemaugh Valley's history ended, and another era started. Over 2,209 people died on that tragic Friday, and thousands more were injured in one of the worst disasters in our Nation's history. Johnstown Flood National Memorial is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, about 10 miles northeast of Johnstown. The park contains nearly 165 acres and preserves the remains of the South Fork Dam and portions of the former Lake Conemaugh bed.
Recreation - The visitor center features multimedia exhibits including a fiber-optic map which describes the path of the Flood. Other exhibits tell the story of the fabled South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. A 35-minute motion picture recreates the Great Flood of 1889 and is shown daily at the visitor center. A small bookseller area, operated by Eastern National, provides more information on the Great Flood and related topics. Walking trails to the north and south abutments of the South Fork Dam are available for visitor enjoyment. These trails are accessible. Trails closed during the winter. A picnic area, located near the south abutment, is available for public use. The visitor center, the picnic area, and most trails in the park are fully accessible. Nearby, in the community of Saint Michael, remain some of the original buildings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. This area generally has cold winter months. This western region has temperatures averaging 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -4 degrees Celsius). The region's average summer temperatures range 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius). Location -
Take US 219 to Saint Michael/Sidman exit. Head East on PA 869. Turn left onto Lake Road at sign for Johnstown Flood National Memorial.
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