Johnstown Flood Historical Events

The Johnstown Flood of 1889 was a catastrophic event caused by the failure of the South Fork Dam, leading to the deaths of over 2,200 people. The disaster was a result of negligence by the wealthy members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, who failed to maintain the dam. The flood was exacerbated by a severe storm, and despite warnings, the dam broke, unleashing a torrent of water that devastated Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The club members were never held accountable, highlighting the disparity between the wealthy and the working class during the Gilded Age.

What was the warning message sent by Emma Ehrenfeld before the Johnstown Flood?

• The weather is clear and sunny.

• The river is drying up.

• The dam is becoming dangerous.

• The dam is perfectly safe.

Who was Daniel Morrell in the context of the Johnstown Flood?

• A weather forecaster

• A telegraph operator

• A local farmer

• General manager of Cambria Iron Works

What was the original purpose of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club?

• To act as a military base

• To provide affordable housing

• To cater to wealthy steel industry clients

• To serve as a public park

What critical mistake did John Riley make when he bought the dam?

• He removed the sluice pipes.

• He increased the height of the dam.

• He built a new dam.

• He sold the dam immediately.

Why did the club owners lower the height of the dam?

• To build a new bridge

• To increase water storage

• To widen the carriage road

• To improve the view of the lake

What caused the heavy rainfall that led to the Johnstown Flood?

• A single storm system

• A drought followed by rain

• Two converging storm systems

• A hurricane

How did the workers on the dam try to manage the rising water levels?

• By building a new dam

• By digging another spillway

• By lowering the dam further

• By diverting the river

What was the speed of the water as it flowed down the river gorge during the flood?

• 40 miles per hour

• 60 miles per hour

• 20 miles per hour

• 10 miles per hour

How many families were completely wiped out by the flood?

• 50 families

• 200 families

• 99 families

• 150 families

What was the official response of the club regarding their responsibility for the flood?

• They accepted full responsibility.

• They claimed they were not responsible.

• They blamed the weather.

• They blamed the local government.