In 1972, A Great Flood Swept Through Texas And Changed The State Forever
With many Texans still reeling from Hurricane Harvey, it would be easy to forget about the numerous other natural disasters that have taken place in our state over the years. However, doing so would be casting aside the victims and first responders whose stories deserve to be heard. The Central Texas flood of 1972 was one of the worst in Texas history, and today, we remember and pay homage to those who lost their lives and/or homes in the wake of the tragedy.
On the fateful day of May 12, 1972, rain fell hard and fast all day long, causing the Guadalupe River to breach its banks and pour into the nearby cities of New Braunfels, Seguin, and San Marcos.
At least 11 people died as a result of the disaster - five in Seguin, two in New Braunfels, and the rest in San Marcos. Many more residents were injured, and at least 25 were unaccounted for after it was all said and done.
Over 3,000 of the 20,000 residents in New Braunfels fled their homes, approximately 50 of which were completely overtaken by the floodwaters. Another 50 residences in Seguin were also flooded out.
The Red Cross set up four shelters in New Braunfels, another in Seguin, reconnaissance flights were conducted by the Texas DPS, the National Guard and helicopters from San Antonio's Fort Sam Houston were dispatched, and dozens of firemen and policemen braved the streets to evacuate victims.
Out of this horrible tragedy comes a common theme we see in Texas during such catastrophic events: an undying, collective spirit whose bravery and courage are unmatched by any other. Texas forever.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
