On March 6, 1913, Indianapolis experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history—the Great Flood of 1913. This catastrophic event was part of a larger flooding disaster that affected the Midwest and parts of the Eastern United States.
In the days leading up to March 6, heavy rainfall and storms swept across the region, saturating the ground and swelling rivers. The White River, which runs through Indianapolis, was particularly affected. On March 6, the river reached its peak, overflowing its banks and inundating large portions of the city.
The flooding caused widespread destruction throughout Indianapolis. Homes and businesses were submerged, and many residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground. Transportation was severely disrupted as roads and bridges were either underwater or damaged, making it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas. The city’s infrastructure, including the sewage and water systems, was overwhelmed, leading to health concerns and further complicating recovery efforts.
In response to the disaster, the community rallied together to provide relief to those affected. Temporary shelters were established, and relief committees were formed to coordinate aid and distribute necessities such as food and clothing. The flood spurred significant changes in how Indianapolis—and other affected areas—approached flood management and urban planning.
The Great Flood of 1913 remains a significant event in Indianapolis history, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its community in the face of adversity. Today, the lessons learned from the 1913 flood continue to influence infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness in Indianapolis, ensuring that the city is better equipped to handle similar events in the future.