'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Ousatonic Dam collapse of 1891

Turnback Tuesday visits the Ousatonic Dam break of January 23, 1891.

The Ousatonic Dam located on the Housatonic River between Derby (Birmingham) and Shelton collapsed due to an extreme increase in the water level.

Because of the vertical drop of the dam, the force and amount of water falling over it undermined the footings, causing most of the dam to be washed away.

The Derby gate house also fell into the river. This image was taken from the Shelton side of the river looking towards Derby.

The Derby Public Library has more images of the damage and reconstruction on display in its front atrium.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.