1913 flood

On March 29,1913,the Ohio River at Parkersburg reached a stage of 58.9 feet,just six feet higher than the previous record of 52.9 feet,recorded in 1884.
The deluge covered nearly one fourth of the city's area. Over one-half of the business section was inundated. At least 2,500 people were driven from their homes. The city was cut off from the outside world. Railroad,telegraph and telephone lines were out of commission. There was no water supply, no electric light, no street car service. All places of amusement were closed and all activities except the most necessary were suspended. Business was practically at a standstill. The saloons were closed by order of the city authorities and three Companies of the state guard were ordered out to help guard the city.
Property damage to the amount of $250,000 was done. Many people lost all their belongings,merchants lost large stocks, scores of houses were borne away by the waters. One life was lost by drowning. When the flood was receding, a fire started in the business section and the city was saved only by the bravery of the firemen,policemen and state guardsmen.
It was the greatest disaster in the history of Parkersburg, but the city quickly recovered. Led by the city council and the board of commerce, the work of restoration was begun ay once. Relief committees were organized and funds subscribed for the destitute. Streets were cleaned,houses repaired,stores restocked,the flood forgotten and Parkersburg showed itself deserving of it's nickname " Biggest Little City on Earth"