Bristol, Connecticut Flood
February 29 - March 1, 1896
Hartford, Mar 2.--The great rainstorm
which was in progress all day Saturday, Saturday
night and yesterday morning caused the greatest
damage to property throughout the state known in
20 years. Many serious accidents, washouts and
wrecks are reported. The Connecticut river is
swollen until it has reached a point three times
greater than its normal proportions.
The flood swept down the Pequabuck valley
yesterday morning, spreading ruin and desolation
on every hand. This town of Bristol was a heavy
sufferer during
the storm of a few weeks ago,
when six men lost their lives, but the waste of
waters waters before daylight yesterday morning
eclipses all previous floods. The
rain and melting snow on the mountains swelled
the basin of the old Copper Mine dam in Whigsville, the northern section of Bristol,
until it burst, tearing away 100 feet wide in
the granite masonry, and letting a volume of
water covering 75 acres and 40 feet high into
the river below, which itself was a roaring
torrent.
The break occurred about 2 o’clock yesterday
morning. The great body of water tore down the
valley with a roar that was heard above the
noise of the storm for miles away. For the first
two miles there were no buildings near the
river, and the water poured out on the marshes
and plains.
The bridges on nearly all roads crossing the
Pequabuck were swept away, Ten in all have gone
out and others are badly damaged. The streets of
Bristol and the village of Forestville were
badly washed in many places. The lower stories
of dozens of houses were covered with water all
the morning, and much property in the cellars
was ruined.
It is estimated that the town of Bristol will
lose from $50,000 to $75,000 by damage to the
bridges and roads.
The Fitchburg Sentinel, Fitchburg, Ma 2
Mar 1896
Transcribed by Audrey. Thank you,
Audrey!
The bursting of the old copper mine dam in
the town of Bristol caused the greatest flood
ever known in that section, and it is estimated
the damage will reach over $100,000 from this
alone. People living on the banks of the
Pequabeck river were obliged to leave their
homes in the darkness and many lost nearly
everything they possessed.
Steubenville Daily Herald,
Steubenville, OH 2 Mar 1896
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