[Map of Cincinnati During 1937 Ohio Flood]

Documenting the devastation of the 1937 Ohio River Flood.

This anonymous large-scale (1″ = 200′) blueprint plan covers a portion of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio near the West End neighborhood. Orange color has been carefully applied and outlined by hand to document the extent of the waters from the 1937 Ohio River Flood. Penciled annotations note a flood state of 80′ – a result of the wettest month ever recorded in The Queen City. Of particular interest are the grounds of the Cincinnati Base Ball Park, commonly known as Crosley Field and home of the Reds until 1970. The area has since been dramatically redeveloped with the construction of the I-71/I-75 interchange, though the Cincinnati Museum Center now occupies the space of the former Union Terminal (labeled as Station Tracks – an apparent enclave of dry land amid the floodwaters).

The 1937 Ohio River Flood stands as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Cincinnati’s history. Triggered by heavy rainfall and melting snow, the floodwaters engulfed much of the city, submerging neighborhoods and causing widespread destruction. The Ohio River crested at a record-breaking 79.9 feet, inundating streets, homes, and businesses. Thousands of residents were displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or higher ground. The flood prompted a massive relief effort, with volunteers, emergency services, and the National Guard mobilizing to rescue stranded individuals and provide aid. In its aftermath, the disaster spurred significant changes in flood control measures, leading to the construction of levees and floodwalls to mitigate future risks and protect vulnerable areas along the Ohio River.