In January 1937, relentless rains unleashed a catastrophe across the Ohio River Valley, submerging cities and reshaping lives in ways few could have imagined. This book chronicles the harrowing days when the waters rose, turning Louisville, New Albany, and Jeffersonville into islands of desperation and resilience. Through eyewitness accounts, historical records, and rare photographs, it unveils the personal struggles, community efforts, and government response to one of the worst floods in American history.
From families evacuating in makeshift boats to businesses swallowed by the torrent, the narrative captures the destruction and the remarkable spirit of survival that defined the region. As the waters receded, these cities faced the daunting task of rebuilding, leaving behind stories of heartbreak, heroism, and hard-won lessons. This compelling account illuminates not just the disaster itself but the enduring impact it had on the landscape, infrastructure, and people who called the river towns home.
In January 1937, relentless rains unleashed a catastrophe across the Ohio River Valley, submerging cities and reshaping lives in ways few could have imagined. This book chronicles the harrowing days when the waters rose, turning Louisville, New Albany, and Jeffersonville into islands of desperation and resilience. Through eyewitness accounts, historical records, and rare photographs, it unveils the personal struggles, community efforts, and government response to one of the worst floods in American history.
From families evacuating in makeshift boats to businesses swallowed by the torrent, the narrative captures the destruction and the remarkable spirit of survival that defined the region. As the waters receded, these cities faced the daunting task of rebuilding, leaving behind stories of heartbreak, heroism, and hard-won lessons. This compelling account illuminates not just the disaster itself but the enduring impact it had on the landscape, infrastructure, and people who called the river towns home.