Over 2K lives lost as city was turned into 'wasteland'

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — As we approach its 135th anniversary, we continue to look back on the events leading up to the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889.

Lake Conemaugh continued to swell for hours after the rain stopped, due to the runoff from the nearby rivers and mountains.

When the massive wall of water and debris reached Johnstown, it killed indiscriminately, claiming the lives of over 2,200 men, women and children and destroying an entire city.

In a matter of minutes, what was once one of central Pennsylvania’s major industrial centers was now nothing more than a "wasteland."

In memory of the victims, the Stone Bridge will be illuminated with a special color scheme on the anniversary, which is Friday, May 31st.

The bridge will be illuminated from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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