1900 Hopkins & Allen Fire
Two weeks after the Almshouse fire, in late March 1876, Norwich suffered a flood that caused widespread damage and loss of life.
Heavy rains, over an extended period, filled the reservoirs along the Yantic, Quinebaug, and Shetucket Rivers. The first notice that Norwich citizens heard was the alarm of the city hall bell. The bell was a summons for assistance to clear the warehouses on the riverfront, as the immense volumes of water discharged from the three rivers. The water level of the Thames rose above the wharves and serious destruction of property resulted throughout much of downtown Norwich.
Thankfully, the Greeneville Dam held despite twelve feet of water flowing over it. The Taftville Dam also held with ten feet of water flowing over its rollway. The most serious damage was done to the Baltic Dam. Its bulkhead washed away and the dam was undermined.
Seven people died and the loss was estimated at $500,000 ($12,000,000 in today’s dollars). The Norwich & Worcester sections of the New York and New England Railroad, and the New London Northern Railroad was badly washed out in several places.
Acknowledgements
Hartford Daily Courant 03/27/1876
Connecticut Historical Society
The complete list of sources may be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button, and, then typing “flood” in the SEARCH box.
1909 Shannon building fire
The New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad (NLW&P) was was the first railroad to provide a direct rail line between Norwich and New London. Prior to 1848 travelers had to take a steamship from Chelsea Harbor to the mouth of the Thames.
In general, passengers and freight was transported quickly and safely. However, on March 17, 1853 the train ran off the rails. Wood-engraving from the Illustrated News, April 16, 1853. The accident occurred about two miles south of the city of Norwich on March 17, 1853. A locomotive on the New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad ran off the track and ran into a house, detaching the kitchen and buttery. A woman inside the house was injured but no one was killed. An article Illustrated News 04/16/1853 magazine states:
Acknowledgements
Caulkins – page 552
Railway & Locomotive Historical Society
JSTOR
1912 Central Wharf fire
The New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad (NLW&P) was was the first railroad to provide a direct rail line between Norwich and New London. Prior to 1848 travelers had to take a steamship from Chelsea Harbor to the mouth of the Thames.
In general, passengers and freight was transported quickly and safely. However, on March 17, 1853 the train ran off the rails. Wood-engraving from the Illustrated News, April 16, 1853. The accident occurred about two miles south of the city of Norwich on March 17, 1853. A locomotive on the New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad ran off the track and ran into a house, detaching the kitchen and buttery. A woman inside the house was injured but no one was killed. An article Illustrated News 04/16/1853 magazine states:
Acknowledgements
Caulkins – page 552
Railway & Locomotive Historical Society
JSTOR
1914 Fire truck accident
The New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad (NLW&P) was was the first railroad to provide a direct rail line between Norwich and New London. Prior to 1848 travelers had to take a steamship from Chelsea Harbor to the mouth of the Thames.
In general, passengers and freight was transported quickly and safely. However, on March 17, 1853 the train ran off the rails. Wood-engraving from the Illustrated News, April 16, 1853. The accident occurred about two miles south of the city of Norwich on March 17, 1853. A locomotive on the New London, Willimantic & Palmer Railroad ran off the track and ran into a house, detaching the kitchen and buttery. A woman inside the house was injured but no one was killed. An article Illustrated News 04/16/1853 magazine states:
Acknowledgements
Caulkins – page 552
Railway & Locomotive Historical Society
JSTOR