Historical Events on May 31: The Tragic South Fork Dam Collapse
Today in History: May 31, South Fork Dam collapse kills more than 2,200
Boulder Daily Camera
Image: Boulder Daily Camera
On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over 2,200 people as 20 million tons of water flooded the town. This disaster is one of the deadliest in U.S. history.
- 01The South Fork Dam collapse occurred in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889.
- 02The disaster released 20 million tons of water, leading to over 2,200 fatalities.
- 03On the same date in 1790, President George Washington signed the first U.S. copyright act.
- 04Other significant events on May 31 include the 1921 Tulsa race massacre and the 1970 Ancash earthquake in Peru, which killed an estimated 67,000 people.
- 05In 2005, the identity of 'Deep Throat' from the Watergate scandal was revealed.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
May 31 marks the anniversary of the catastrophic South Fork Dam collapse in 1889, which devastated Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing over 2,200 residents as 20 million tons of water surged through the town. This tragedy remains one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history. Additionally, on this date in 1790, President George Washington enacted the first copyright law in the United States. The day is also remembered for other significant historical events, including the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, where white mobs attacked the affluent Black district of Greenwood, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths. In 1970, a powerful earthquake struck the Ancash region of Peru, claiming around 67,000 lives due to the subsequent landslide. The day also witnessed the revelation of 'Deep Throat's' identity in the Watergate scandal in 2005. Today's notable birthdays include actor Clint Eastwood, who turns 96, and football legend Joe Namath, who turns 83.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The South Fork Dam disaster prompted changes in engineering and safety standards for dams across the United States, influencing future disaster preparedness.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the most significant historical event on May 31?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




