Johnstown Flood National Memorial

The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a memorial in Pennsylvania that displays the remains of the South Fork Dam alongside exhibits about the 1889 disaster. The visitor center has two floors with displays and shows a documentary film explaining what happened that night.

The dam failed on May 31, 1889, sending millions of tons of water down upon the town of Johnstown below. This event became one of the largest industrial disasters in America at that time and changed how people thought about dam construction and safety.

The site preserves stories of people who lived and worked in Johnstown, showing how a community responded to sudden disaster. You encounter personal objects and learn about lives that were changed in moments.

The grounds are easy to navigate, with clear paths between the visitor center and the dam remains. The best time to visit is on mild days when outdoor areas are fully accessible.

A few original cottages from the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club still stand near the memorial today. These buildings give visitors a rare look at how the wealthy club members lived before everything changed.

Location: Croyle Township

Location: Adams Township

Inception: August 31, 1964

Website: https://nps.gov/jofl

GPS coordinates: 40.34560,-78.77860

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59