The Johnstown Flood - What it Looks Like 131 Years Later

In 1889 the South Fork Dam collapsed sending a massive wall of water down the valley and into Johnstown, Pennsylvania with catastrophic power.
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[@durikas7519]

As a Johnstown'er born and raised, who has heard this story a hundred times, you did such a good job with the history. Such a great video, thanks for bringing attention to my little, former steel town.

[@bethyadamec7057]

Durikas75 Greetings from Greensburg, PA. I LOVE Johnstown. I am there several times a month taking pictures.

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Some of my wife’s family is still living in Windber, PA., -We’ve seen/enjoyed the museum & traveled the mountain on the Inclined Plane. Horrible time(s) for the people & surrounding areas.✌️🇺🇸

[@scout3058]

I'm from Johnstown too! I grew up in Westmont.

[@ExplorationRandomDestination]

Looks beautiful I want to take my dogs exploring around the area

[@Tylorgng.]

Ill be moving to johnstown here in a few weeks any suggestions for good places to eat?

[@thunderwarrior440]

My great grandmother held my grandfather above her head to get him to safety.

[@jameswessling6982]

Strong woman. I can see where you get the warrior from.

[@donnysouthwell8104]

They don’t make them like they use too

[@dennisneo1608]

She must have been tall.

[@susanconstable2113]

Thank you for this. I’m a born and raised johnstowner. Still here today. I don’t have many relatives on my mother’s side due to this flood. My great grandfather lost siblings in this flood. His father was unable to hold onto them in the flood waters and they were swept away. They are buried in the grand view cemetery you were at. Interestingly enough there were two more large floods here although no where near as catastrophic as the 1889 one. I believe one was in 1936 and the other which I was alive for was in 1977. Many buildings here will have markers on them either in the inside or outside of their building for where the water height was for the 1977 flood. Luckily my family was on an uphill street and was not damaged but a block down was. I remember it vividly. It’s not something you forget.

[@mcmvideo100]

A friend of mine lost several members of his family in that flood. Of course he wasn't born yet but it was part of his family history. That's how they ended up in Cleveland. The survivors moved here to be with relatives after the flood because they lost everything.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Me and my brother were born there back in the fifties. My Grandmother died in the 77 flood and my dad was born there in the 36 flood . Awesome segment, I need to show this to my dad he’s 84 , he would really enjoy it. I have a picture of me my brother and father in that park from 1961 Thanks so much . Great historical segment.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Gosh I wonder what will happen in your family when the next flood occurs. It seems like the flood giveith & the flood taketh away!

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Sarah Strong I have no family there any longer , long since moved . I myself haven’t been back there in years .

[@missnperfection9830]

If you don't mind me asking who was your Grandmother and what section of the City was she from? Lost lots of people from Hornerstown and Tanneryville in 77!

[@tomgavelda6978]

I'm from Lake county Ohio and go to Jtown every summer. I bike and Thunder in the Valley brought me down. Now I go because I'm fascinated. I've been in the elevator at Econolodge and met people who lost family in the 77 flood. Hard to believe that could happen in modern times. So sorry. Conemagh Valley considered "deepest gap east of Mississippi " I've seen at the scenic overlook on rt 56 into Jtown. God bless from an Ohio biker. I'll be there next summer

[@lilacsnroses247]

I have a good friend who went to JTown after the 77 flood, to help with body recovery. He tells horrific stories about what he experienced. He says the worst part was that the coffins/caskets were washed out of the grave yard, and they didnt always stay with their inhabitants. Cheap Laugh Kenedy, i am not surprised to hear that your family moved elsewhere. I sure wouldnt stay in a place that kept washing away loved ones and everything i held dear. That is the only smart thing to do. Id love to hear what your pop thought of the video.

[@AJ-pr8ym]

When I was a kid, we didn't have many books in our home. We weren't poor, but the library was one block away so my parents didn't have many books in the house. One that we DID have, however, was "The History of the Johnstown Flood" from the 1880s. I asked my mom why we had THAT book in particular. She didn't know. She just said it was an "old book." Years later, I was e-mailing a distant relative and found out some of my ancestors were from the Johnstown PA area while we were talking about genealogy. That lady told me to look on page so-and-so of the Johnstown flood book and I'd see a relative's name. So I asked my mom to save the book for me and I'd look at it next time I traveled to her state. After she died, my sister showed me the book but said one day when she and Mom were in the basement sorting stuff for a yard sale or to donate, she ran across the book and told Mom to put it in the Save pile. Since mom had dementia, she probably put it in the wrong pile because it my sister couldn't find it later on. She did, however, find another book with same pages ripped out, and sure as heck, the page I needed to see was missing. I was SO PISSED!!! But you can't get mad at your mom, right? I found another copy online and bought it from eBay. And sure enough, that page in question had a list of some of the survivors that were the first people to reach a nearby hospital after the flood. So now I have the story - why we had the book in the first place, and the reference to my ancestor documented for all time.

[@wgsuperstar7730]

A J, I wish I had a time machine....... to go back an NOT read your story

[@AJ-pr8ym]

@@wgsuperstar7730 Use correct grammar next time you write.

[@wgsuperstar7730]

@@AJ-pr8ym *and

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

Thank you for sharing a family story

[@simr7856]

@@wgsuperstar7730 Really? your contribution to mankind is what exactly? - nothing worth mentioning (or we would all known) none the less pip squeak.. time wont remember you anyways. so you spend the rest of you life knowing your not essential to mankind's survival. have a nice day

[@lipshamorrissey4636]

My late husband had a professor whose grandmother was on a train with his infant father when the flood was coming. The engineer stopped the train in a VALLEY, and the grandmother immediately got off the train and started climbing the hill carrying her young son, over the protests of the conductor, engineer and passengers. Long story short, the professor concluded the story by saying I'm here today to tell the tale bc she thought for herself and didn't necessarily listen to those in authority.

[@DrQuagmire1]

and it makes me wonder why the entire city of Johnstown wasn't classed as a historic landmark

[@DrQuagmire1]

and lemme guess, that same train was later caught in the flood and killed everyone onboard, just mere moments after his grandmother got off and escaped safely?

[@lipshamorrissey4636]

@DrQuagmire1 I think it took a little longer than mere moments but they survived and I think they were the only ones.

[@janeenn8811]

Her relative tells the story ??!! She was smart ! 😊😊

[@milanomaker]

Great video. When I was very young my dad would drive us through Johnstown on 56 on our way to Blairsville. This was the highlight of our trip from Philly. He’d show us the flood line marks on the buildings, the incline, and the story of the flood. What could they have been thinking building a lake above a town? Unbelievable. Thank you

[@3101home]

Lakes above towns was and is still common, a big catastrophic flood in CA similar to Johnstown but last 40-50 years at least ‘big’ govmt has its power and advantages with frequent inspections and oversight committees.

[@Me-lb8nd]

@@3101home Personally, I would never trust a dam and would not live downstream of one!

[@DrQuagmire1]

i'm planning on visiting Johnstown myself, hopefully for my 43rd birthday this coming May, because a close friend of mine lives out that way and has invited me out there

[@jokaja03]

It's absolutely astonishing that even today people with money and power take no responsibility for their actions. Fabulous video yet again.

[@biggreenblob]

@Elizabeth Frantes indeed. Vote libertarian people!

[@TurboDV8]

I knew, when the producer of this video repeatedly used terms such as Elite, rich, and wealthy, that would be the Catalyst for people to come to the comment section and take the class Warfare bait. How many broke, penniless, self-entitled punk-azz youth in the antifa and BLM movement, who still live in their parents garage or basement rent-free, have caused Untold destruction to completely innocent people and the businesses they single-handedly built from the ground up? Not only do they not take responsibility for their actions, they justify their actions against completely innocent businesses and civilians. And it's the Democrat Elite and wealthy protecting them from being held responsible for their actions, by looking the other way, even condoning the actions in the name of a race war conjured up and fomented by the Democrat Party, and using BLM donations to bail them out from jail. That says just about all there is you need to know about the elite and wealthy in this country. Don't expect to hear this on CNN.

[@johnford1882]

They should have been arrested for murder

[@plantpants3746]

Why would they care? Only using the area seasonally. People are selfish

[@honeysucklecat]

TurboDV8 how many kids in Antifa cause destruction? Barely a handful. Pales greatly in comparison to the number of black people murdered by racists. But Faux news and Limbaugh tell you how to think, whom to blame, whom to hate. And like most trumptards, you’re too lazy to figure out you’re lied to by the GOP all the time. Too cowardly to listen and learn. That’s why everything you said is a bullshit dittohead cliche.

[@Garvercfs59]

My Great Grandfather who was a survivor of the Johnstown flood Stood up on prospect mountain and wittnessed the 70ft wall of water coming into Johnstown from the conemaugh gap he told my father that when the wave hit the kernville mountain it was thrown back against the prospect mountain and the force was so great he said it felt like an earthquake. after the flood he and other survivors who worked for the cambria iron works were ordered to help clean up the debris and recover the dead from among the debris. My father told me that it was God that saved him from the flood because he was downtown and God told him to head back up to prospect mountain (where he lived) because he was in great danger of losing his life.

[@christianbarona]

Coincidence the church took the brunt of the wall as well??? I think not...

[@scottr3484]

He spoke to God. Yea okay

[@corysatterfield7570]

Hi I'm Scott I'm a prick

[@Garvercfs59]

@@scottr3484 No!! God spoke to him! my greatgrandfather was of jewish heritage and he had a relationship with God through the salvation provided for us all through the sacrifice of His Son. who some refer to as Jesus but to a jewish person his true name is Yeshua.

[@Garvercfs59]

@@corysatterfield7570 Well Scott God loves you no matter what you call yourself. He loves all of His sons and daughters and His judgement is coming upon this world soon. God is real believe me. not only did He save my grandfather from this disaster He saved me from total blindness. I was healed from the incurable eye disease glaucoma after having faith in God and a personal word He gave me that I would someday be healed and delivered from it and after waiting on God for 33 yrs I was healed. God is real and my being healed of glaucoma is one of many proofs that he is. believe me God saved my great grandfather from his disaster and saved me from mine!

[@larryzaval4358]

I'm from Pittsburg, Pa. I'm 73 now. I can remember my grandpa telling stories what he had heard while I was growing up

[@MaddoggOG70]

When I was a kid my grandmother told me stories about the relatives we had that died and some that survived this flood. Interesting stuff. Thanks for posting.

[@johndavies9270]

I first came across the Johnstown disaster (not well known over here in Britain) in a book about old time US railroads. A Pennsylvania road engine driver and his crew saw the dam break; got the train crew on board the engine and raced down the valley, sounding a warning on his engine's whistle. His courage undoubtedly did save lives, giving people enough time to run. He and his mates also survived, having abandoned their engine with the flood waters lapping round the wheels, and fled for high ground. A grim story, very well told, and produced.

[@driverbane]

Rumor has it the city folks thought he was drunk. This was the story told to me growing up here.

[@c.md_]

I had to do a double take when I seen this video pop up in my recommended vids. I am a resident here, and these flood stories (by the way, there were 3 great floods that took place here) rarely get told to a larger audience. My mom worked in the '77 flood, told me all the horrible stuff that she witnessed, and it's quite sad. The people who live here or have lived here know about all of this, but I feel like it's one of those stories that people outside this area have never heard of. So, really great what you're doing! This city has never recovered, and every now and again you'll hear about some of the corrupt behavior from individuals on the news here locally. It's one of those places that once you get sucked in living here, if you can't afford to get out then you're stuck here. It's not modern and you feel like you're living in a past world. The houses in the different sections of Johnstown were build anywhere from early 1900's to 1980's, and what happens is they are renovated countless times over and over again, but in doing so there's never any new growth or new modern homes built. So, what we're seeing now is an overload of old dilapidated houses that need torn down. I'm doing what I can to get out of here. It's taking me a while, but I'm determined. It is a depressing place with absolutely no growth for residents who want to do something with their lives. BUT! With all that said, you are fantastic at telling the story, and I'm probably going to check out some of your other videos! Thanks for taking the time out to stop by Johnstown!

[@frances3254]

I grew up close by and really relate to you wanting/needing to get away. I left at age 28 and seeing this film, still get unpleasant feelings about the area. I'm 84 now and happily living in New Mexico. My life really began after leaving Pa and all it's old associations. I wish you well on your journey!!!

[@lorimullen3680]

Thank you for this comment. I was trying to remember how I had witnessed a flood there when I was a little girl we had our "Shipley" family reunions in Somerset, PA & I can remember some of my family drove to that area from our reunion to see a view of devastation after a flood had swept through the Johnstown area. It had to be the "77" flood. I remember seeing houses floated off their foundations & then tipped over on their sides & right nearby all the devastation a little white church stood untouched. How the Water passed by it & curved around the church was a miracle. Thank you so much for sharing your comment!!!

[@lorimullen3680]

@@frances3254 Yes I completely understand all of these comments & sending my Love & Hope to you all!!! I joined the military & left PA when I was 18, then was dumb enough to return for the love of family & it was a big mistake, but I got out years later after...Long story! PA childhood made me a very strong lady. I miss the good stuff, but there was a lot of PAIN too! Take care everyone, I love PA People, but don't care to ever live there again. BLESS YOU ALL!

[@semajameslllkkaniaru7068]

David McCullough’s book The Johnstown Flood is an in-depth read about the flood. Loved the video, thank you!

[@dtoy1809]

Sounds just like oil city pa

[@MichaelClementR]

My grandfather owned what once was the main building of the South Fork Hunting & Fishing Club in the 1940's. He was a barber and ran the building as a bar. My father, who was born in 1939, grew up working in the building for his father, filling the coal furnace and bringing ice. Around the 1980's the bar was called the 1889 Club.

[@suzannescullion2541]

Top rate video! I have lived in Johnstown all my life! We seem to be a resilient lot since this town has survived 3 major floods! We need lots of financial help and better decision makers! Thank you for doing such a good job!

[@bmcshane80]

This was INCREDIBLE. As an Aussie who loves American History, I LOVE seeing these unknown places and the events around them presented the way you do. Keep doing what you do, big Love from Australia

[@tomgavelda6978]

Well yes , very historic town. I'm a biker from the edge of Lake Erie in Ohio and go every summer on a pilgrimage to Jtown. I've walked the lake bottom - been on the remaining dam structures etc. You can just feel the history. I'm grateful to be able to just walk freely through the historic sites. I'm glad people feel the same about the history - sad as the event was. Part of the industrial revolution

[@zaco21_]

ThisIsForCody I’m Australian too!

[@TheEarthHistorysConfusing]

Zaco21_ me too!. Thanks

[@mathewanderson4730]

Another Aussie here. Check out the Mt. Helens video if you haven’t already very cool.

[@ShelKim1991]

I have an aunt, uncle and cousins in Ebensburg, PA, about 25 miles from Johnstown to the east. When I was a kid in the 70s they took us there to visit the sights, hear the story of the flood and ride the inclined plane. I was only 9-10 so I'd forgotten much of the story and appreciate this video to revisit it. When we were there, the river at one point was only about a foot wide and an inch or two deep. We were told that the width and depth of the river changes quite quickly with the amount or lack of rain due to being down in a valley.

[@TimothyForbesXXI]

I first read David McCullough's book on the Johnstown flood 50 years ago, and was mesmerized. Thirteen years later, I lived for a few months in that city, and found it a most memorable place. And it still has made quite the impression on me. Thank you for this video!!!

[@memberberries9782]

Man I love your content! I live in Ireland and have never travelled to the USA but I've always had great interest in the different regions and you show off some of the more eerie places of America! It's awesome!

[@billpenrod6415]

I live in good old Johnstown Pa now and have been here all my life and I am 57 and I have lived through one big flood in 77 and have never thought of leaving Johnstown its my home town and I love and support it in every way. Awesome video thanks.

[@mf5531]

it such a beautiful place! hello from phoenix, AZ

[@holoholopainen1627]

You Are The KEYSTONE - in The KEYSTONE STATE ! Moving somewhere - Won't Make Everyday Life Different !

[@DrBoneright]

It flooded the year Slap Shot was released? That's crazy! I'm a Slap Shot geek so this got my attention immediately.

[@williamfischer5336]

On a side note, the steam locomotive now known as Clinchfield No.1, currently on display at the Baltimore Railroad Museum, actually powered the first relief train to Johnstown after the flood.

[@andrewward1887]

There is a locomotive wheel and axle that is bent at the Penn railroad museum that was dug up from the Johnstown flood.

[@andrewward1887]

@Elizabeth Frantes The museum isn't in the best part of town but I have been taking my kid there for years, haven't had any issues thousands of people a year visit the museum.

[@kathyschlegel5210]

Thanks for covering this. I just read "The Johnstown Flood" by David McCullough. Your tour of the area really brings it to life!

[@Razainthewoods]

Seriously such an amazing book on this topic! My favorite of his! He is from the Pittsburg area.

[@crackerjack9320]

I'm going to get this book. Great author. Thx for the info

[@lauuureny9645]

As someone who was born and raised and still living in Johnstown today, it is insane seeing this on my KZbin recommended. I actually live 5 min walking distance from the 1889 park and it’s always a somber feeling thinking of how it would have looked before the dam broke. The flood museum video still haunts me to this day. Thank you for this great informative video!

[@rumrunner1756]

This is fascinating. I don’t know how many times I caught myself saying “Wow”. You did a great job telling this story. I never miss your videos, they are all great but this one is very special. Thank you Chris. 👊👍☮️❤️

[@JMVideos7676]

These videos should be used in the classroom and maybe they already are being used there.

[@TheExStig]

Yes have to agree. The mans videos are so interesting.

[@rumrunner1756]

Jeff Moffatt This is true. I never thought of that. The Iceland series would be great for that.

[@saxon840]

Wow. That’s wild! On a side note, I’m thinking about starting a channel called Immobile Instinct where I film myself on my couch while watching your videos.

[@MobileInstinct]

Haha thats a great idea

[@sarahstrong7174]

Will you be dressed as a potato?

[@vsanchez7158]

I will subscribe 😂😂😂😂😂

[@mitch5077]

🤣

[@thatgirl3757]

@@sarahstrong7174 Lmao, That was a good comeback!

[@elizabethshaw734]

My great-grandfather was a member of the South fork club. His sorrow was transferred onto his son who was my grandfather and my father's dad. Even my dad lived his whole life with issues over what happened that day. Not all of the wealthy men walked away and felt great about it. My great-grandfather while he walked away he also provided money for families to rebuild and to purchase acts of grain and other needed things for life. I just thought I would toss that in.

[@Lastfirst333]

He was a good man

[@ironman-sp9fg]

How rich was your ggrandfather?

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Your great-grandfather would be one of the only club members to do so, and for that I honor him.

[@mgrenn]

This would make such a good Netflix show!

[@JimFox-vm9rx]

This was one of 3 floods that hit my hometown, this one being the most destructive with the greatest loss of life. The other two was on March 17, 1936 and July 20, 1977. There are High Water Mark plaques for each flood on the City Hall in downtown Johnstown.

[@JimFox-vm9rx]

Also a large amount of wire from the wire mill helped the entanglement at the Stone Bridge. RIP everyone that perished in all 3 Johnstown Floods!

[@j1st633]

Please read my question noted above.

[@holoholopainen1627]

You had a flood 1977 ? Wasnt the Movie Slap Shot - filmed just then ? Please let Me know ! My Favorite Movie !

[@flyjarrett]

My Great Great Grandfather was the Fire Engineer in Allegheny (now part of Pittsburgh), PA and was called to assist with the aftermath of the Johnstown flood. I have a picture of him with the fire cart next to the destroyed buildings. The destruction was jaw dropping.

[@skystryker2300]

This is where my dad grew up, and my grandparents lived. They went through a flood too when torrential rains caused floods and mud slides. Nothing like the original flood you spoke of, but still pretty damaging. Always loved visiting the incline plane and the park up top. I know there's a museum about the flood. The heritage museum is also a good one to visit.

[@HollyMarieF69]

I am born and raised in Johnstown. I experienced the ‘77 flood and my grandparents experienced the ‘36 flood. Great job on your investigating. You covered a lot of sad details.

[@missnperfection9830]

I'm going to add a few things..in 1862 the dam broke causing some damage,the owner did in fact take the pipes for scrap because the dam was basically no more! When the Pittsburgh Hunting and Fishing Club bought it they build it up again! The club did do some "maintenance" to the dam (even clear upto the dam bursting) but their "upgrades"is what sealed the fate of the dam! The Johnstown Incline Plane was build not only for the residents on top of the hill but also as an escape route from future flooding! Came in handy in the 1977 flood to get support and supplies to the devistated people of Johnstown..Johnstown unfortunately has a little issue with flooding! As for the dead there were bodies found in Washington DC,Cincinnati and they were finding them years later..sometimes when they dig around town they find more bodies from several floods turn up! People did run up the hillsides and the mountains to escape from the flood waters! People were watching from the top of the hillsides where you were standing! They said they watched in horror as people were swept away in the waters, on their rooftops and clinging to debris! There was absolutely nothing they could do to help them! As for why they ignored the warnings..they had heard them over and over for years! People cried wolf too many times for people to take it seriously..flooding is a common occurrence in Johnstown..you shrug your shoulders to it..still to this day when we get heavy rains people will claim that one of the local reservoirs are going to break! None have yet too! Great video! Please come back...I'll take you around and give you the little tidbits of Johnstown! 😊

[@marymarysmarket3508]

I love Johnstown. Best people in the country.

[@missnperfection9830]

@@marymarysmarket3508 thank you! We try really hard to make people feel welcome! We try and show our guests the best we have to offer!😊

[@tomgavelda6978]

@@missnperfection9830 From Lake county Ohio. Small lake town called Fairport Harbor. I bike and Thunder in the Valley brought me down. I go every summer on my pilgrimage to Jtown now just because of fascination. Holiday Inn the first time. Econolodge pretty much has me on file now. I've met great friendly people all around so far. Kinda like we are in my small town. Incredible history. Met people in the elevator who lost family in 77. Thank you to the nice people I've met. I know the town is struggling for $ I wish you all well. I even saw some info on a treasure hunt or something like that someone local did this summer. Ha. That's great. See you next year

[@JEEPSTR78]

This town is off the beaten path and just waiting for future commercial interests. The cost of living is very affordable which is why I moved back after living in Baltimore for 20 years. Love small town life.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Is This The Slap Shot Town ?

[@johnmcclintock988]

@@holoholopainen1627 Yes it is. Johnstown has been the site for a couple movies. Slapshot was one. "All the Right Moves" with Tom Cruise was another.

[@holoholopainen1627]

@@johnmcclintock988 I Dont know if You knew this - they have made it so that everybody speaks russian ! The whole movie talked in russian for the market over there ! So That every Russian Kid has seen & knows about SLAP SHOT !

[@frankym69]

Really? I couldn't wait to get my semester over with. It still has some of it's charm. I've seen a couple games at the War Memorial after the Hockey Town renovations. Beautiful facility, but other than that, there wasn't much opportunity there for me and I wound up finishing up at 3C's.

[@joefarthing5804]

What a fascinating video, really well put together. I've never heard of this tragic disaster before. Thank you for sharing this.

[@horatiobeaker]

Historian and master storyteller David McCullough's first book, "The Johnstown Flood," magnificently tells the story of this horrendous disaster.

[@danmekeel7758]

Thank you my brother!

[@horatiobeaker]

@@danmekeel7758 Your video visit was inspiring. Now that I have moved up north, I am going to plan a trip there because of your video. Thanks!

[@tomrowe5826]

The surrounding hills is where people escaped to. The book about this event is a good read. I recommend it. A truly tragic and preventable circumstance caused by an aristocracy whom believed they were above others...

[@honeysucklecat]

Von_Nightmare_ Luciferian yes. Much of world history is the story of rich bullies abusing the world

[@sdeee3842]

What is the book called?

[@joelwillems4081]

@@sdeee3842 The best book is "The Johnstown Flood" by David McCullough. He writes several of this history books like "Isaac's Storm" about the 1900 Galveston Hurricane.

[@ashleelaughard515]

I was born and raised in johnstown and still live there. This was an amazing video about the history of the 89 flood. My mom and dad were teenagers during the 77 flood. I have been to both museums and have rode the incline plane multiple times . Actually on the inside you can watch the pully system as the carts are moving such a neat experience. I could go on and on since I'm very proud of my town but to finish my comment what is even more neat is my daughter was born on may 31 2009 120 yrs after the flood

[@livvyw259]

Hey I live in Johnstown! Every year my grandmother takes me and my siblings to the memorial to hear the same story we heard a bazillion times. It never gets old

[@thomasbryant9002]

Thank you so much for this video. My Mom's from Franklin Conemaugh. If anyone has heard of John's Bar on Main St. by all the r.r. tracks my Grandpap owned it and lived in the house on top. Great memories, thank you, Tom.

[@tims1686]

Hope everyone's having a good day.

[@inthemaze7441]

You as well

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thank you.

[@pauly260]

Nice.

[@silencenhikes6692]

Not bad, you too.

[@jodivandyk3649]

You too!

[@scout3058]

That's my hometown!! I grew up a few blocks from the top of the Inclined Plane. I worked in the gift shop there as a kid.

[@JerseyStyle7]

Unbelievable footage, and history, so sad 😞

[@leaf2180]

I wouldn't say it's too sad. I mean on the brightside there's thousands, maybe millions of more trees there.

[@larrywoodruff7530]

Root of all evil, love of money, some things never change, what a heart breaking video.

[@ghostridertom]

But also a lot of times root of great progress too. Money is neutral. People are the same. Be happy you live in the USA... Do not get fooled into voting socialism.

[@j1st633]

Interesting to note another flood occurred in 1977. I was part of the Red Cross disaster response team from New York City. I can't describe the devisation I witnessed. Not as horrific as the 1889 disaster, but those that were affected where as traumatized as those in 1889. In fact many of those that lived there told stories of what was told to them over the years by family members that lived through it.

[@beverlyweeden9759]

What month in 1977?..I was there in June of that year..wow..my Mom was born and raised there. SHE SAID THERE was another flood when she was young, probably 1920's or 30's..

[@j1st633]

July 1977 if I recall correctly almost 100 died. Dam broke once again. 12 inches of rain in 10 hours. National guard sent in. Curfew established even for us the Red Cross disaster workers. The food your mother was referring to occurred in 1936

[@j1st633]

Flood

[@beverlyweeden9759]

@@j1st633 thank you for the info..👍

[@j1st633]

My pleasure. Be safe during these times.

[@jalenharris9421]

Dude is living my dream!! Thank you for visiting these historical sites and giving updates. This channel is super dope!!!!

[@mjg263]

I heard that Andrew Carnegie felt very guilty and remorseful about the “club” being the root cause of the flood and became very philanthropic afterwards. Thanks for covering this, very well done!

[@DrQuagmire1]

I call B.S. on Carnegie being "remorseful", as he and the other wealthy club members knew exactly what the hell they were doing. If he was really remorseful, he and the others wouldn't have had those huge cast iron pipes removed from the South Fork Dam, which was highly important in controlling the water levels in the dam itself so it wouldn't overflow and whatnot.

[@karinoshea3330]

My mom grew up in Davidsville, just up the road from Johnstown, and Grandpa worked in a steel mill in Johnstown. Nice to see the area again, thank you!

[@tomyoder3950]

I was born and raised in johnstown till I moved away in the 80,s you did a good job on this video. Thank you

[@j1st633]

Know of a gal named Emily Maschick? Not sure if spelling. Worked at the hospital.

[@cackleberrycottage2340]

Same here. Left in 1986.

[@billbailey4943]

David McCullough’s book The Johnstown Flood is an in-depth read about the flood. Loved the video, thank you!

[@samanthab1923]

He's on the doc I saw on PBS years ago. Directed by a Guggenheim I believe. I could listen to him read a phone book.

[@marchofstetter8313]

Al Roker wrote a very good account of the floor.

[@eightycubicft]

I’ve read David’s book about this flood. Very good reading

[@bigcase4449]

I grew up about a half hour away, the flood museum has timber and water that was bottled from the flood

[@davidogle9247]

Wow. Never heard of this one. Thanks for sharing this. If you haven't heard about it, check out the salt mine that was breached by a drill rig under a lake in Louisiana. You may find that interesting as well.

[@missy4042]

Just a memory: 1993 my dad was in a semi accident and was treated for over a week at Conemaugh Memorial hospital. He insisted that mom take my sister and I on the inclined plane. We were about half way up and I'm looking out over the 'car' and nonchalantly said, "Wow Mom, you can't even see the wheels on the track." Moms face went white and sternly told me to sit. That's the day I learned mom was afraid of heights. Oops.

[@Automedon2]

You would NEVER catch me on that ride/attraction

[@dannycasler4959]

I know what it's like! I'm terrified of heights due to having ''Vertigo'' If I even watch a video like this that looks over the edge of a railing I get dizzy and it makes me feel like I'm going to fall! I was in a tall building in Columbus Ohio and the 35th floor had windows that went clear to the floor and I couldn't walk anywhere near them! I would start to stumble and fall down from dizzyness! I don't even remember why I was there but I couldn't wait to leave!

[@Automedon2]

@@dannycasler4959 I'm the same with looking out of windows in high buildings and they don't have to be that high. I did a cross country trip and went over some terrifying bridges. Have you ever seen the overpasses in Houston? OMG, they curve about 100 feet from the ground. One of the worst was the Rainbow bridge in Port Arthur, Texas. Look it up. I actually sat at the bottom for about 15 minutes before I worked up the courage and only drove over because I had no other option.

[@cindyp5703]

Hey! There is a museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin memorializing the fire that wiped out the city many years ago. It was devastating. More people died in this fire than died in the Great Chicago Fire. You may want to take a look at this for a future video.

[@Neeki101]

I have lived around here since I was little, with a lapse only for the time I was in college near Philly. I even visited the museum as a kid on school trips... and thought I knew all there really was to know about this tragic incident. I had no idea that bodies were found as far as Cincinnati. Also, I didn't realize the cemetery had that site for the unidentified. Further, I never heard the story of the doctor with cracked ribs who helped deliver two babies. Incredible. I've sadly watched the decline of this area over my lifetime and always have hoped and wished that we would recover in a big way some day. Johnstown just needs the investors and a chance to be born all over again. This truly was a really touching video. Thank you!

[@computerweenie]

I live about 35 miles from Johnstown and learned more about this flood by watching your video. Great job! I lived in Altoona when the 1977 Johnstown flood struck and that was another disaster but not as devastating as this one.

[@MrSpeedysChannel]

I can't imagine what the people up on the mountain were thinking when that happened, they were probably couldn't believe what they were seeing.

[@samanthab1923]

I think there are descriptions. Said it was really loud too.

[@thegreengiant2655]

I live near the top of the Inclined Plane right now but it was mostly the wealthier people who lived up here back then

[@FurnitureFan]

@@thegreengiant2655 Wow. I guess they knew it was safe up there. It was so moving to see all those grave markers.

[@samanthajohnson3368]

Amazing information, heartbreaking and humbling. The unmarked grave are an ever lasting reminder of money and power being able to ignore safety and wellbeing of others. We've had two similar cases here in the UK but nowhere near the death toll in this case. Thank you for sharing this.

[@staceylee-ramirez8914]

My Great Grandfather...John Sobek was an eight years old living in Johnstown when the flood hit the town. The family were recent immigrants from Czechoslovakia. They lost everything.

[@braxinabox9373]

bruv this channel is so underrated. this channel should have like millions and millions of subscribers. Somebody grab peoples attention becuase this is the exact channel I'm looking for on KZbin

[@KarunaSatoriASMR]

Where I live! Thanks for covering.

[@iskrentsekov104]

Been there twice with disney on ice few years back always loved this small town

[@ejudd2776]

Damm the boys are lucky in that town.

[@makennaneff]

Ahh I live here too!!

[@holoholopainen1627]

It would be nice to hear the impact - that SLAP SHOT - has had for the Community ! How Do People see the aftermath - the Pros & Cons !

[@Minxyminx68]

U live in johnstown?? I live in Ebensburg, I go to Southfork and Johnstown all the time

[@aaronk534]

Ive taken a truck on the incline. Its fun. Creeks and rattles like a wooden coaster. Great vid. Thank you

[@Wild1995]

So informative. You really know your stuff. I grew up in Western PA and always remember the phrase "Johnstown Flood" anytime there was what was considered flooding anywhere. Its a fascinating piece of US history especially when you consider 1862 when you say the drain pipes were removed, our country was in the middle of a horrific civil war. Great job as always.

[@sproutlexi]

i live right in the roots of the flood. ab 5 miles away from where the dam was. as a young adult i can tell you we BARELY learn about the flood. and it is so sad. this deserves so much attention and i appreciate you giving it to so many people.

[@tylevis98]

This is where I call home! I was so surprised to come across this. You did an amazing job with this video!

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

Thank you so much for your presentation of what was a horrific disaster with far-reaching consequences. I admire the way folks back then afforded each unidentified individual the dignity of a separate resting place, and not a mass grave like they so easily could have done.

[@lexzishort6654]

I was born in Johnstown and still am! It was very interesting watching this. My grandparents were in 1 of the 3 floods and they have old history books in their basement on the flood.

[@anthonygray333]

My Great-great Grandfather was a teamster in South Fork who was pressed into service that day to haul whatever stones, blocks and boulders they could in an attempt to raise the dam and stop the leaks. Eventually the caretaker saw the futility and pulled the workers off. Not long after, he and the others watched the water crest the dam and saw it just fall away. He died long before I was born but that testimony has been passed down. I was intrigued by the 89 and 36 floods as a kid. Who knew I was going to be working in a movie theater in Downtown Johnstown in July 1977. And that is a different tale.

[@DrQuagmire1]

not gonna lie man, after having visited Johnstown twice so far, the area is actually pretty quiet and I was pretty surprised why some people kept shitting all over at how bad the town itself was. All I had was nothing but positive experiences while touring the downtown area, and i'm also currently making plans at coming back down there early next year sometime. This because during my visit there during the beginning of the month, I had also learned of the Rolling Mill Mine Disaster of 1902, where 112 immigrant miners died from a gas explosion, as there's a historical plaque right at the entrance to the Inclined Plane, as well as a hiking trail directly underneath the inclined tracks that leads to the entrance to the mine itself. So I definitely want to check that out firsthand, but I can't do that until the Inclined Plane is re-operational, so I can gain access to that hiking trail.

[@tomsalem3926]

There is a documentary called “ the Johnstown flood” that used to be on Netflix. Really good . My family is from Johnstown so it interests me. Thanks for the clip

[@christinestange4813]

I became interested in the Johnstown Flood years ago after reading a Reader's Digest excerpt from McCullough's book. I read the book and have viewed documentaries on the subject. I've always wanted to visit but never have taken the time. Thank you for this video. It is interesting seeing what it looks like today. So glad they have taken care of the church that saved some buildings in town. Hope they can preserve the other building in town that now appears abandoned. Your content, historical knowledge and narration are remarkable. Stay safe and well.

[@billbailey4943]

McCullough’s book The Johnstown Flood is a great read covering all the background and causes of the flood in great detail. Loved the video, thanks!

[@joequezada1279]

Please come, we love tourists, I love my little town, it's resilient and friendly.

[@harryhunt6968]

Christine Stange The great thing about David McCullough’s book is that he did the research and writing in the mid-1960s. He was therefore able to interview a number of people who were actual survivors of the 1889 flood. It was first published in 1968 and was his first book. As a child, McCullough lived in Pittsburgh. I heard him speak at a dinner in his honor in Johnstown a few years ago. He said that every summer the family would pile in the car and drive to Johnstown to escape the heat of Pittsburgh. He also told an anecdote about his family’s Sunday dinners. Along with whatever meat his mother made, she always served mashed potatoes and made a little bowl in them which was filled with gravy. A common vegetable at dinner was peas. He said that before they started eating, the entire family would use a fork to push down a side of the potatoes. As the gravy poured out and over the peas, the family-in unison-would say “It’s the Johnstown Flood!” He was being honored by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA) for, in effect, creating the tourism industry in Johnstown. Prior to his book being published, the city really didn’t have much in the way of anything related to the history of the flood. After his book was published, people started coming to town expecting to find flood-related markers, memorials, a museum, etc. And that got the tourism ball rolling.

[@christinestange4813]

@@joequezada1279 Yes it is !!!! ♥️👍

[@christinestange4813]

@@harryhunt6968 Hi Harry. That is a wonderful piece of information. Reading the Reader's Digest excerpt and then McCullough's book as a child, gave me a life long interest in the Johnstown Story. It is an amazing tale that McCoullogh tells so well. I really need to find a way to travel to Johnstown myself after this pandemic. Thank you so much for your comment 🙂🌹

[@jacieosborne8283]

My mom was born in Johnstown. I remember many trips from Detroit to Johnstown to visit relatives. We would go downtown to see the water level marks on many buildings. This is a great video. I plan on sharing this video with my grandchildren and giving them not just a family history but the history of the area. Keep up the good work.

[@catibree1]

I resided did in Johnstown for many years. Did you know, Johnstown flooded two more times? Once in the 1930's I believe, and the last in 1977. My husband and I had just moved back with our two small boys that year. The last flood seemed to have taken the starch out of Johnstown, because it never really recovered from it. Yes, it was cleaned up, but the businesses never recouped. That is and was a terrible shame. Notice the parking lots down in center of town, and they are empty.

[@ALRIGHTYTHEN.]

Unfortunately, it's seldom the ones who cut corners that pay the price for their actions.

[@captron7814]

If you or me did it we would be buried under the prison. Only if you are very wealthy do you get away with murder

[@lindahh798]

You did a wonderful job explaining the Johnstown Flood and what happened that horrific day. I've not completed David Mccullough's book on the flood, but I've got it on Audible and will finish it. So sad that nobody was held responsible for the loss of so many lives.....kinda like today. Great job!!

[@tonygrace1152]

I just wanted to say thanks for the video. I remember doing a report on the Johnstown flood when I was kid in the 80's and this brought me back as well as shed some light on events. I really appreciate your efforts to shed some more light on this historic event!

[@johnadams4754]

My grandfather lived in Johnstown and was around when the flood occured. He was about 10 years old at the time, according to my mom. As far as I know, none of my ancestors were killed miraculously.

[@scottguest7720]

Thank you. I live west of Johnstown. About 40-50 miles. Knew about the flood. But you really did a hell of a job. Thank you so much for the hard work.

[@paulosborne6517]

What a breath-taking video. Chris, your modesty, knowledge and reverence for your subject matter makes your uploads leagues ahead of others. This was truly compelling and I cannot imagine that it could be done any better. Clearly you are a man who is in tune with the resonance of the places he explores and does them the greatest service as a result, with superb footage and thoughtful commentary. You have my admiration for what you do.

[@MobileInstinct]

Thanks Paul

[@GlynRobinson]

I agree. Chris does an excellent job!

[@larry4111]

We definitely knew about the 1889 Johnstown Flood when I was growing up on Long Island, New York. It was a long way from Pennsylvania but we studied it in high school along with other natural/man-made disasters like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. To me, it was ALL Johnstown was known for, i.e., you heard Johnstown you thought flood. I was fascinated by it. I eventually went to college in Pennsylvania and got a degree in geology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. As part of our studies, we examined natural disasters and their relation to geology, as many are interconnected - especially the Johnstown Flood. My high school knowledge of it came in handy. I always wanted to visit but never did. Your video brought me there in a way I wasn't able to do in real life. Good work.

[@robertbeam4534]

My dad grew up in Johnstown and I remember visiting some of his family there while I was growing up in the 80"s. Seeing those mills sitting silent and unproductive is really sad. Terrible and avoidable tragedy.

[@kentuckybabjohn3315]

👍🏻 I live in Johnstown. Was 9 years old when the 77 flood hit.

[@Chrise501]

I had just graduated high school. We worked for the newspaper at the time. We would drop the bales of newspapers off for paperboys to pick up, We drove all over town using our newspaper pass. Downtown was surreal. No lights, nothing but busted storefronts and mud everywhere. The Glosser Brother Dept store had the windows blown out and mannequins were laying in the displays. It was creepy af.

[@richyrich4672]

I grow up in Elton I was 14 in 77. I’ll never forget that storm. It started off as a beautiful day. Me and my brother was swimming at Windber park and the storm came. Didn’t stop raining for 11 hours.

[@southerngrits920]

I live in SC. A friend from Johnstown and I traveled there in 1976. She told me all about the flood. I saw the museum in town. She said it would not happen again. Then in 1977 it did. A year later I believe we went back and they found bodies some year later while we were there.

[@dcasper8514]

Live in Johnstown, sign your name with Kentucky in it. Interesting ...

[@reallkindstv]

Shoutout to all my fellow Johnstown people!

[@iAmMadeOfSoup]

I’m a Johnstown native, UPJ student, and Johnstown Area Heritage Association employee. Thank you for making this video.

[@kristenpareti5428]

This is such a great video! So thorough and nicely paced. Really thought out, great job man : )

[@August84118]

Absolutely fascinating from start to finish! The entire segment flows, and seamlessly comes together. I would have watched if it were longer with the same interest. You have a new subscriber.

[@pepaw4431]

It doesnt matter to me how long your videos are chris, ill always watch every second of them, because you are THE best story teller on youtube- i get so involved in them, frequently catch myself talking back to you, & how you find such interesting places, ill never know- PLEASE keep 'em coming, & thank you!!! Be safe!

[@rockymtnsteeze1815]

My grandparents are from here. I vaguely remember visiting a museum for the flood as a young child. I grew up in Georgia. One time my family went with my grandparents to a family reunion when I was little to Johnstown PA.

[@luckytahlula6515]

This is the third video I've watched of yours. I have enjoyed and learned something in everyone of them. That's a big plus with me and I subscribed. Looking forward to more and thank you for sharing.

[@harrytinker2328]

I've always wanted to go there since I read about the flood account. Thanks for taking me there on You Tube!

[@bevwyckoff2451]

Fabulous job! I read a book a few years ago about this and you brought it to life. SO SAD!The book said Andrew Carnegie couldnt live with himself in spite of his wealth, and that's one reason he built all the libraries/institute for people to gather and increase their learning/enjoyment. The others responsibe just walked away!.

[@duckyconcannon9774]

i grew up and currently still live here in Johnstown, so this is history I've grown up with, especially living a few blocks away from the inclined plane (world's steepest vehicular inclined plane). my parents even experienced the 1970's flood (third major j-town flood). it's always interesting/funny hearing other people talk about it's history. good job covering it.

[@flobelll]

What a great job! I volunteered at the Flood Memorial when it first opened at the current location. You brought it to life in an outstanding way.

[@smcb72]

I love history and I’ve never heard of this until now. So well documented with narration And visual. Excellent job in giving the story. I’m new to your KZbin channel. Very impressed!

[@KubotaManDan]

The club house used to have a cafe inside back in the 1990's, my gal & I sat next to the fireplace with it's inlaid ceramic tile and had a drink. Back then there was no total restoration like you showed in your video today, it was run down and they were selling refreshments for the tourist. I think we actually experienced it as it was left from back in the day. Glad to have seen it then vs what they are making it now. And the incline worked back then as well and we rode it up with my pickup truck on board, thats right two vehicles was hauled up at a time. You youngins missed it.

[@samanthab1923]

That sounds so cool.

[@tomgavelda6978]

Yes sir. I'm from Ohio and go every summer. I guess I'm under the spell and fascinated with the town. I'm a biker and Thunder in the Valley brought me down there. I've taken the inclined plane many times now. Cant explains it - gotta experience it. Souvenirs and ice cream shop ar the top too. Its very well maintained and working just fine right now. Have a great summer

[@donaldpartsch8754]

@@tomgavelda6978 there was a bar in the bottom for years until the government made it a historical landmark

[@keithfroehlich9299]

It's hauling vehicles again.

[@katbutina7153]

Are there any stories of hauntings or uneasy feelings in the clubhouse?

[@dannyfox4156]

Thank you for this! My Grandma Hariett was a survivor of one of the times this flood happened. I believe she was between 3 and 5 at the time.

[@lighthousesanddaisies2711]

Read McCullough book on this tragedy years ago. This popped up today on my recommended videos...weird, but glad it did. Great presentation. Ill have to revisit that book soon.

[@2katkitty]

Great job at showing a tragedy that so many have forgotten. Too bad that the inclined plane was closed. From an engineering standpoint, it's pretty cool.

[@deadmetal8692]

That shot of the Churches Steeple in the sunshine was stellar.

[@JohnWickkkk]

Read this as it was showing on the screen 🤓

[@charlenejewart25]

I spent most of my childhood in South Fork, considered it my hometown. Many wonder hikes through the South Fork dam park, they've done a wonderful job with the museum, and I remember the old sportsman's club, used to be used as a haunted house back in the early 70's. Good to see it being refurbished and turned into a museum. I now live in the Pittsburgh area, how ironic, how much the Frick's, Melon's and Carnegie's influenced both regions.

[@ourianborn2008]

Thank you for making such a great video. We found your video while researching the JT flood for a homeschool history lesson. It was exactly long and entertaining enough to capture our full interest from beginning to end! We will look into other videos by you to spruce up our future lessons.