Johnstown Flood National Memorial
- Pennsylvania
photo: National Park Service
Why go there?
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial commemorates the more than 2,200 people who died and the thousands injured in the Johnstown Flood on May 31, 1889. The flood was caused by a break in the South Fork Dam, an earthen structure known to be structurally lacking. The memorial preserves the remains of the dam and portions of the former Lake Conemaugh bed, along with the farm of Elias Unger and the village of South Fork. The Johnstown Flood Museum tells the story of the disaster through exhibits, films, and interactive displays. It is a potent reminder of the power of water and the importance of engineering safety standards.
