Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Hamilton County was underwater at the flood's peak. Hundreds of homes were washed
away or damaged beyond repair.
At its peak, the flood turned downtown Cincinnati into a lake, which could be traveled only
by boat. All watercraft larger than a rowboat or canoe were requisitioned for rescue or re-
lief work. City officials ordered all businesses and factories closed, an edict that may not
have been necessary given that few workers had any way of getting to work. The city was
sliced into thirds by water for 19 days.
