Bristol, CT Flood, Feb-Mar 1896

Hartford, Mar 2.--The great rainstorm which was in progress all day Saturday, Saturday night and yesterday morning caused the greatest damage to property throughout the state known in 20 years. Many serious accidents, washouts and wrecks are reported. The Connecticut river is swollen until it has reached a point three times greater than its normal proportions.

The flood swept down the Pequabuck valley yesterday morning, spreading ruin and desolation on every hand. This town of Bristol was a heavy sufferer during the storm of a few weeks ago, when six men lost their lives, but the waste of waters waters before daylight yesterday morning eclipses all previous floods. The rain and melting snow on the mountains swelled the basin of the old Copper Mine dam in Whigsville, the northern section of Bristol, until it burst, tearing away 100 feet wide in the granite masonry, and letting a volume of water covering 75 acres and 40 feet high into the river below, which itself was a roaring torrent.

The break occurred about 2 o’clock yesterday morning. The great body of water tore down the valley with a roar that was heard above the noise of the storm for miles away. For the first two miles there were no buildings near the river, and the water poured out on the marshes and plains.

The bridges on nearly all roads crossing the Pequabuck were swept away, Ten in all have gone out and others are badly damaged. The streets of Bristol and the village of Forestville were badly washed in many places. The lower stories of dozens of houses were covered with water all the morning, and much property in the cellars was ruined.

It is estimated that the town of Bristol will lose from $50,000 to $75,000 by damage to the bridges and roads.

The Fitchburg Sentinel, Fitchburg, MA 2 Mar 1896
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Transcribed by Audrey. Thank you, Audrey!