In the Shadow of the Dam: The Aftermath of the Mill River Flood of 1874

by Elizabeth M. Sharpe

Documents the events and factors that contributed to the flood-related deaths of nearly 150 people in the industrial town of Mill River in 1874, explaining how the town lived in constant fear because of a poorly constructed dam and how the tragedy led to legislation to regulate the building of reservoir dams. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2004

About the author

Elizabeth M. Sharpe is a historian, writer, and consultant for museums. The former director of education at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, she holds a doctorate in American history from the University of Delaware. A native of western Massachusetts herself, Elizabeth Sharpe grew up hearing how the Mill River flood destroyed her great-great-grandfather's shop. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccably researched and written, this gripping history of the Mill River Flood of 1874 is essential reading for Pioneer Valley residents. It is fascinating to see how many places in our area are named after industrialists who were so cavalier about public safety that they built a dam so shoddy that it collapsed less than a decade after it was built and killed 139 people.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, though I am a bit biased because I lived and went to school near where the flood took place and I am a historian (and I know the author). Still, though, it's a good book. Sharpe does a great job describing this fascinating time when there was small-scale industry just up and down these little river valleys in Massachusetts. So many little factories making silk and buttons and brass and whatnot. And unfortunately, it was also a time when the men who ran these factories could just have a dam built, if they wanted, and maybe cut corners and build kind of a shoddy dam and no one was really going to check up on them. And then, of course, disaster.
Sharpe's description of the flood is great, really vivid - though not so good as bedside reading. I had a hard time sleeping after that chapter. And it was interesting to read about the inquest afterward and how different people dealt with the disaster. Honestly, I know that these things happened in the 19th century and no one talks about them anymore, but I'm sort of surprised that this one isn't more commonly known. I'm surprised I didn't hear more about it living out there. I mean it killed almost a 150 people and destroyed multiple towns. All the major northeastern cities sent reporters and covered it extensively. It wasn't some minor thing.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book!

I now live right in the path of the flood of 1874. Our house was built two years after this tragedy, and this book came recommended by friends who have lived in the area for a while. Ms. Sharpe apparently wrote this as her Master's thesis, but wow, she had great skill in writing because the book is well worth the read and the pacing of the story was extremely well done.

There is a lot of technical information in this book -- engineers would definitely enjoy reading it. But the technical facts of the story don't overtake the important people mentioned who were somewhat responsible for the dam breaking, and even more important are the people who warned others of the impending flood. Also, there is much discussion about mills during this time period and how reliant they were on water power ... and then, partially the result of numerous dam breaks throughout the U.S. AND the result of new technology, dams became a thing of the past which also affected businesses who could afford to go with the new energy technologies and decimated those businesses who couldn't afford the adaptation.

Highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I'm glad I grew up on the East side of the pioneer valley, the west side sounds like a mess. Good thing nothing ever goes wrong in Amherst!

In all seriousness, a very important history of an event that I feel like I definitely should've learned about in the 11 years I went to school in the area. The author was deliberate in her description of the events and the notable people. I bet her son makes good pizza too. Shoutout to the woods.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live here, near all of this, but never comprehended the scale of the disaster. I wander by the river and fields, and old factories, now with a new view of my community, layered by this deep and well-researched book.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

read years ago and just remembered. very interesting!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dam is poorly built, it collapses, property and lives are lost .... and in the end no one suffers consequences for this disaster. Sounds familiar, except this happened 150 years ago. It's the same old story. This proves once again that money talks. This is a well written highly readable book and should be read by anyone interested in New England history.

[Laura Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It did not hurt that it describes much of the formative history of the valley in which I've lived for the past 30 years and that I pass by many of the sites in the book multiple times a week. It also does not hurt that it describes a compelling, dramatic event that is inherently tragic and fascinating. Beyond that however, the historical events recounted in the book are chronicled meticulously and in a compellingly vivid fashion. The description of the actual flood is a stay-up-all-night-page-turner. At times parts of the book are a bit tedious recounting every aspect of trial testimony, for example, but overall I found this a great read and recommend it for anyone especially anyone interested in 19th century New England mill history or anyone interested in the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could write history as well as Elizabeth Sharpe. Very well researched and detailed. An interesting look at an industrial town that isn't as well known as Massachusetts eastern cities, Lowell and Lawrence, Sharpe explained what was unique about these small towns in relation to the mills.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in industrial history, 19th century history, dams, civil works projects, disasters, etc. Even if someone isn't a history buff, this will prove engaging.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting history. A lot of primary source material (is that the right term?): letters, diaries, etc.

[Desiree Smelcer · Rating 2 out of 5]

ehh just okay...