A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Vermont In 1927 And No One Saw It Coming

Many of us are all too familiar with the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and the Flood of 1927, much like Irene, changed the state of Vermont forever. In early November of 1927, it rained hard for three days flooding the rivers and streams. 84 people died in the flooding, roads and bridges were washed away and houses and farms were completely destroyed.

West River Railroad in West Dummerston in 1907

This photo shows the West River Railroad as it crossed the West River into the village of West Dummerston. This railroad was the key to shipping granite from the Dummerston quarries to Brattleboro and around the east coast. However, technical problems limited the efficiency of transport, and the railroad was doomed after sustaining major damage in the flood of 1927.

Bolton Flats After the 1927 Flood.

Officials at the Concrete Road Project at Bolton Flats wrote an account of the situation which stated "Concrete road intact, everything else ripped ... and gone!"

After the flood.

After the 1927 flood, Vermonters worked together to rebuild the state. Workers in Vermont fixed the roads and built new bridges and dams to help control flooding in the future.

Vermont towns used money from the state and US government to repair the damage.

The hard work of people coming together paid off, and in January 1928, Governor Weeks announced that Vermont was "ready for business."

Flood scene from 1900.

Vermont has never been a stranger to flooding. This flood happened in 1900, as evidenced by the state capital dome not being painted yet. It was painted in 1909.

Many thanks to DotEarth with Andrew Revkin for this incredible video footage compilation of the Great Flood of 1927.

After the biggest flood in Vermont history, President Calvin Coolidge visited Vermont in 1928. He saw how Vermont had recovered from the flood and made a famous speech in Bennington. He said "I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her indomitable people." He praised "the people of this brave little state of Vermont."