Museum purchase, 1959.111.7, Connecticut HIstorical Society, public domain

The Terrible Disaster at Danbury, Conn

Date1869

MediumWood engraving; printer's ink on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 8 3/16 x 9 3/16in. (20.8 x 23.3cm)
Sheet (height x width): 8 1/4 x 9 3/8in. (21 x 23.8cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineMuseum purchase

DescriptionRushing water bearing huge blocks of ice fills the center of the composition. Buildings at the left and right are largely submerged and other buildings and debris are carried along by the torrent. Flood victims, including at least two women, struggle in the water and cling to debris. A building at the right is exploding under the impact of the ice and water. A large leafless tree is at the left; additional trees are in the background. The disk of the sun or moon is just visible above the horizon.

Object number1959.111.7

InscribedOn recto, beneath image, printed in black ink, "THE TERRIBLE DISASTER AT DANBURY, CONN.--BREAKING OF THE DAM OF THE UPPER KOHANZIE RESERVOIRS, JAN. 31ST.--VIEW FROM NORTH STREET, LOOKING TOWARD / FLINT'S DAM."

Subject Terms