Vermont Disasters: Deadly Flooding in the Northeast Kingdom
The Great St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927 and Other Catastrophic Events
Vermont, a state renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil charm, has not been immune to the ravages of nature. Flooding in Vermont is nothing new.
Our fragile planet is thankfully alive and changing, and over its storied history, the Green Mountain State has endured numerous natural disasters that have tested the resilience of Vermonters and reshaped communities. Among these calamities, the Great St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927 stands out as one of the most devastating weather events in Vermont’s history.
A special thanks to Jenks Photography Studios in St. Johnsbury for the old postcards of this historic event. Read about the causes, impact, and aftermath of this historic flood, along with other significant natural disasters that have shaped Vermont’s legacy.
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St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927
The Great St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927
Prelude to Disaster
In late October and early November of 1927, Vermont experienced an extraordinary sequence of weather events that culminated in a catastrophic flood. Unusually heavy rains, compounded by already saturated soil from an unusually wet autumn, created conditions ripe for disaster. Over three days, nearly 10 inches of rain fell across Vermont, with some areas recording even higher totals. Rivers swelled beyond their banks, and the Winooski, White, and Lamoille Rivers became torrents of destruction.
St. Johnsbury, a vibrant town nestled in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, bore the brunt of the deluge. The Passumpsic River, which flows through the heart of the town, turned into an unstoppable force, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
The Flood’s Impact
The floodwaters overwhelmed bridges, railroads, and roads, severing vital connections between towns and cities. St. Johnsbury’s iconic covered bridges were swept away, emblematic of the widespread destruction across Vermont. In addition to physical damage, the human toll was staggering:
- Loss of Life: Across Vermont, 84 people lost their lives to the flood, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history.
- Displaced Families: Hundreds of families in St. Johnsbury and surrounding areas were left homeless.
- Economic Devastation: Damage estimates for the state exceeded $13 million (equivalent to over $200 million today).
Photographs from the time show buildings partially submerged, with townsfolk rowing boats through streets that had turned into rivers. The resilience of Vermonters shone through, however, as neighbors helped one another navigate the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
The Aftermath and Recovery
The flood prompted a significant response from both the state and federal governments. Vermont’s National Guard was mobilized to assist with relief efforts, and President Calvin Coolidge, a Vermont native, declared the state a disaster area. Infrastructure was rebuilt with an emphasis on flood mitigation, including the construction of new dams and the strengthening of riverbanks.
The flood also galvanized community spirit. Fundraising efforts brought assistance from across the nation, and local newspapers documented acts of heroism that highlighted the best of humanity in the face of tragedy.
Other Significant Natural Disasters in Vermont
The 1938 New England Hurricane
While the 1927 flood stands as Vermont’s most deadly disaster, the 1938 New England Hurricane brought widespread destruction. This Category 3 hurricane swept through the state with winds exceeding 100 mph, uprooting trees, destroying homes, and causing extensive flooding. Vermont’s forests suffered particularly heavy losses, with millions of trees felled, disrupting the timber industry for decades.
The Ice Storm of 1998
One of the most memorable modern disasters in Vermont was the Ice Storm of 1998. Over several days in January, freezing rain coated trees, power lines, and buildings with thick ice. The weight caused widespread power outages and extensive damage to forests and infrastructure. Thousands of Vermonters were left without heat or electricity for weeks during one of the coldest months of the year.
Tropical Storm Irene (2011)
Tropical Storm Irene struck Vermont in August 2011, bringing devastating flooding reminiscent of the 1927 disaster. Rivers across the state overflowed, washing away roads, bridges, and homes. Entire communities, such as Rochester and Wilmington, were cut off for days. The damage totaled over $700 million, and Vermonters once again demonstrated resilience by rebuilding stronger and more sustainably.
The 2019 Halloween Storm
More recently, Vermont experienced a significant weather event on Halloween night in 2019. Torrential rains caused flash flooding, particularly in southern Vermont. Roads were washed out, and many towns faced significant recovery efforts in the wake of the storm.
Lessons Learned and Preparedness
Each of these disasters has taught Vermont valuable lessons about preparedness and resilience. Key takeaways include:
- Infrastructure Resilience: Investments in stronger bridges, roads, and dams have mitigated the impact of subsequent floods.
- Community Organization: Vermont’s town-based governance and strong community ties have been crucial during recovery efforts.
- Environmental Stewardship: Protecting wetlands and forests helps to absorb floodwaters and reduce the impact of storms.
- Emergency Planning: Modern technology and communication systems have improved disaster response and coordination.
The Great St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927
Vermont’s history is marked by its ability to endure and overcome natural disasters. The Great St. Johnsbury Flood of 1927 remains a poignant reminder of the state’s vulnerability to nature’s forces, as well as the strength and resilience of its people. From devastating floods to powerful hurricanes and ice storms, Vermonters have repeatedly rebuilt their communities with determination and ingenuity.
As we look to the future, the lessons learned from these events guide Vermont’s efforts to prepare for and adapt to an increasingly unpredictable climate. For more photographs and stories from Vermont, bookmark Vermont Living.
View a Slideshow of Historic Vermont Postcard Photographs. Special thanks to Jenks Studio. Visit Jenks Studio in St. Johnsbury, VT
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