The Great Flood of 1913
100 Years Later
Community Profiles: Fort Wayne, Indiana
| River: | Maumee |
| Storm Total Rainfall: | 7.21" |
| Known Fatalities: | 6 |
Timeline
The heavy rains on Easter Sunday and Monday, March 24th caused flooding across the Maumee River basin. By Tuesday the St. Joseph River dikes broke, causing a swift current and water rise to occur in Fort Wayne. Many citizens could not escape the rapid rise in water.
Impacts
Over 2,000 homes were submerged and many businesses were under several feet of water for days. Six known fatalities occurred, four of whom were orphaned girls being transferred by boat from the flooded orphanage to safety when the boat capsized. Two more citizens were killed from failed rescue attempts. An estimated 15,000 people were made homeless. Water and electricity was cut off for over a week.