The Johnstown Flood

Andrew Carnegie is among the most renowned and influential figures in American history, especially due to his prolific wealth. Carnegie amassed his wealth in the steel industry and donated most of his fortune to his philanthropic endeavors, building social programs and institutions, including schools, museums, libraries, and various charities. Carnegie was one of the initial investors and members of the South Fork club and the group of aristocrats who would be the basis of the seasonal community outside of Johnstown.

The Pennsylvania Railroad, established in 1846, made its way into Johnstown just a few years after its founding. In the 1850s, the railroad was established in the town, bringing along with it the Cambria Iron Company and countless jobs over the next few decades. The Pennsylvania Railroad also owned large properties throughout the region, including the land of Cresson, upon which Andrew Carnegie set up his first vacation home. The railroad was a lifeline for the people of Johnstown in the flood’s aftermath, denying passage to those wishing to visit the town in a spirit of voyeurism and providing a means of shipping massive quantities of relief goods to the survivors and those rebuilding the town.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was and remains to this day, arguably the most important city in the state. Located about 60 miles west of Johnstown, it was a major player in the Industrial Revolution thanks to the presence of some of the largest steel mills in the nation. Pittsburgh was also a major source of relief funds and efforts for the people and town of Johnstown, helping to funnel relief funds and workers to the town during the weeks and months of the town’s rebuilding.