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Pittsburgh Flood March 14, 1907 |
In this photograph the floodwaters on the Allegheny River almost reach the crossings of the Sixth and Seventh Street Bridges. The Seventh Street Bridge (1884-1925) designed by Gustav Lindenthal, is in the foreground, and the third Sixth Street Bridge (1892-1927), built by the engineer Theodore Cooper, is in the background. On March 16, 1907, heavy rains and melting snow brought the river stage to 36.6 feet. Local residents were unaware of the rapidly rising water, however there were few causalities. It was estimated that six to twelve people lost their lives due to the floodwaters. Property damage was extensive, with total losses estimated at $5 million. Electricity was cut off and hundreds of workers found themselves out of work due to mill and industrial plant closures. |