Join Kevin Coleman March 26th and 27th, 2022, for a visit to the Pump House Center for the Arts and a short walk along the floodwall to learn about the Great Flood of 1913, what caused it, why it has never repeated, and how it affected Chillicothe. Also learn about other major floods from 1817 to 1959, and how the valley and river came to be.

109 years ago March 26th, the worst flood in local history filled the Scioto Valley from Mulberry Street to Mount Logan, ripped out Hickory Street and several railroads, sloshed against the courthouse steps, and lapped at the eaves of the Pump House. It directly killed 18, and adjusted for inflation, caused almost $64,000,000 worth of damage within the county.

We start in the Pump House to see the flood marker and discuss what happened to the railroad, Yoctangee Park, and the former river bed in 1907 and 1913. We then walk up the floodwall steps to view the Scioto River and learn why it is a smaller river that flows the wrong direction in the Teays Valley. The tour ends at Bridge Street where the twin bridges barely escaped being washed out…and a flood-borne shed had settled in the middle of the street in 1913.

Identical tours begin 3pm Saturday, March 26th and 1pm Sunday, March 27th in the Pump House. Tours are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $15 for families (three or more family members). Please pay with cash ‘at the door’ when you arrive. Because of other planned tours, there will be no rain dates…however ironic.