Floods, 1772 - 1832

The earliest account we have of any extraordinary flood is the year 1772, as narrated by Mrs. Shepherd, a daughter of Col. Shepherd, and confirmed by Silas and Jonathon Zane. From the most correct information that can be obtained, this flood took place in June; probably near the time of the Solstice.” He goes on to say that it was “not less than 5 feet higher than the flood of 1832.” Another food occurred in 1778, which he describes “was less by seven feet than that of 1772.” A flood of 1794 was “of the same height or very nearly so, with that of 1832.” He speaks of a serious flood in January, 1813, but gives no relative height. The 1832 flood is the focus of Hindreth’s essay, and he notes that while Aberdeen, Ohio, across from Maysville, was “entirely submerged, the roofs of the houses alone being above water,” while Maysville “sustained but little injury.” He quotes Cincinnati at 64 feet above the low water mark, and expected it to rise another foot. “Newport, opposite Cincinnati, was pretty well afloat – the water having reached nearly to the windows in the second story of the United States Arsenal. Covington does better, some dry land being yet discernable.”

S. P. Hindreth, Writing in the Journal of the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio in 1872