This Is What North Carolina Looked Like 100 Years Ago… It May Surprise You

Long before meteorologists could predict the weather’s every move, and a simple broadcast let us know of upcoming storms, a deadly, torrential flood struck western North Carolina. It rained for two weeks straight, with the second week bringing more horrendous, torrential downpours. Locals tried to escape, but many found themselves in water up to their neck as dams broke and rivers overflowed into towns.

North Carolina State University

In July of 1916, two category 4 hurricanes swept over North Carolina, causing torrential downpours. The first storm caused over 13 inches of rain in just 24 hours to Catawba County. The Catawba River rose 47 ft. and every single bridge was wiped out except one. Telephone and telegraph lines were severed, North Carolina citizens were essentially stranded amidst growing flood waters.

Climate / North Carolina State University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Many found themselves immediately displaced. The spaces they once called home, vanished beneath the rushing water.

NC History / Wordpress

NC Culture Blogger / Wordpress

Mills along the Catawba Riverway were destroyed. Thirteen people died when a double-track railway over a river between Charlotte and Gastonia gave way. It seems no one could escape the damage the great flood of 1916 caused.

Over time, the residents recovered, new buildings and railways were rebuilt, but there is truly nothing like the devastating flood of 1916 in North Carolina.

It’s crazy to think that just 100 years ago, this is what our state looked like. Luckily, today, we have weather tracking and radars to help us plan for such catastrophic events. But even still, you never know when the next superstorm might hit.

If you love North Carolina history, these small towns paved the way for amazing things in North Carolina.