The rain swollen Olentangy River flowed seven feet
above the William Street Bridge during the March
1913 flood, the greatest natural disaster in Ohio
history. Statewide, the flood claimed 428 lives and
destroyed more than 20,000 homes. In Delaware,the
death and destruction caused by the rain swollen river included 18
deaths and 57 homes demolished or damaged. Heavy rains pushed
the river height to 32 feet., an amazing 23 feet above flood stage,
swamping parts of the downtown and eastside. On March 25,
bridges at Central Avenue, Winter Street and William Street were
swept away. By noon that day, the Big Four railroad bridge, the
last link between Delaware's east and west side, gave way to the
force of floodwaters and trapped debris, and was carried down-
stream. Since the flood, better management of the Olentangy River
watershed has improved water quality and safety, ensuring the
river's celebrated place in Delaware's history.
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