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1874 Mill River Flood

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black and white poster for national air mail week 1938 in williamsburg, mass., with portraits of george cheney and collins graves, and an illustration of the 1874 mill river disaster.

The 1874 Flood and Flying

The Mill River Disaster of May 16, 1874, was a day that changed Williamsburg, Mass., forever. May 15-21, 1938 was…

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a commemorative medallion engraved with

The Collins Graves Medal

Courage comes in many forms. For Williamsburg farmer Collins Graves (1840-1910) it came on May 16, 1874. His selfless breakneck…

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several copies of the book

The 1874 Mill River Flood—150 Year Commemoration

May 16, 1874, marked a watershed in the history of Williamsburg. On that morning, the poorly constructed and neglected Williamsburg…

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village hill cemetery sign next to informational banners about the mill river flood, with a cloudy sky and headstones visible in the background.

“Drowned in Mill River Flood”—Visiting those Buried in Village Hill Cemetery

On that fateful early Saturday morning of May 16, 1874, in the hills, the Williamsburg Reservoir Dam gave way and…

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stereoscopic image of a rocky landscape with sparse trees, uneven terrain, and scattered logs or debris, bordered by an orange frame.

Looking Double: The May 16, 1874 Mill River Flood and the Aftermath

May 16, 1874. The day that changed the history of Williamsburg. That morning, the destructive, burgeoning water coursing down the…

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an old photograph shows a stone structure and gatekeeper’s house beside a riverbank, surrounded by trees; the area appears to have flood damage.

A View of the Mill River Reservoir Dam Ruins After the May 16, 1874 Disaster

May 16, 2024, marked the 150-year anniversary of the historic Mill River Flood Disaster that changed the course of history…

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three historical books and prints are displayed upright on stands, featuring black and white images and illustrations of past events and scenes.

The 1874 Mill River Flood Resources in Meekins

May 16th, 2025, is the 151st anniversary of the historic 1874 Mill River Flood. Interest in the events that led…

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a weathered gravestone stands in a grassy cemetery, marked by a blue flag, with a red leaved tree and several other headstones in the background.

“Drowned in Mill River Flood”—Visiting those Buried in Village Hill Cemetery

On that fateful early Saturday morning of May 16, 1874, up in the hills, the Williamsburg Reservoir Dam gave way…

Learn More
a display board with historical images, documents, and artifacts on a table, including books, pencils, postcards, and printed photos arranged neatly.

The 1874 Mill River Flood—Through the Eyes of Third Graders

May 16, 1874. The day that changed the history of Williamsburg. That morning, the destructive, burgeoning water coursing down the…

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  • Books & More
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