Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-03-30
4 Missouri Rtver Flood In Dakota.

PIERRE, D. T., March 29.-The unusu-
al winter weather has resulted in terrible
floods in the Pierre region as the snow
melts. The winter beginning so early
and suddenly caught several steamers in
midstream between Yankton and Ben
ton, which have been frozen in all win
ter, their loads having been taken of by
teams. Indians and old settlers predicted
terrible floods in the spring, but the Vel
lowstone rise came and went with no
damage, and then broke up, which
drowned few Indians and ponies, but
made no impression upon the Missouri.
On March 2eth the Missouri began to
rise, and people in Fort Pierre looked
to the time when they must
move from the bottom lands, but on
this side no preparations were made.
The water rose higher and higher, bear
ing Ice three feet thick. The weather for
few days preceding March 29th was
very warm, melting the snow rapidly,
but seemingly having no effect on the Ice.
During the 26th fresh warm wind from
the south blew all day up stream at this
point and the gale freshened at night
About midnight the Ice broke up and be-
gan to run out, and on the morning of
the 9th the
RIVER PRESENTED GRAND SPECTACLE
as it rolled along, bringing enormous
blocks of ice. There was suddenly per-
ceivable check to the motion of the
water, and simultaneous sudden rise of
water, amounting to as much as four feet
in ten minutes. This caused q sudden
stampede from the lower portion of Fort
Pierre. A panic seized upon the people,
for with sudden jerk the level
of the river came up to the level of the
streets. Then there was a rushing
to and fro, with loud calls for help.
Teams were in great demand household
goods were hastily thrown into passing
vehicles, and all the town was in mo-
ton towards the bluffs. The water was
soon three feet deep, boats took the place
Of teams, and by O'Clock the water was
up to the floors of all the houses: From
the first the ice had remained stationary
in the channel. Gorged against the isl.
and, just below one could see
ICY WALLS SPEEDILY GROWING IN HEIGHT
at the upper part of the island, and as
steadily the surface of the river rising
inch by inch, and then it gained continu'
ally. From the second story windows
could been seen houses in Fort Pierre be-
ing, hustled about, crushed
ting up tents and making all kinds of
ho o1o hills xry1,.1a 1,oi,,
property and comfortable homes were be-
ing destroyed. Before sundown all had
come to some order, the water then hav-
ing reached the depth Of 2H feet on the
floors. AS the darkness came on the fear
on all sides was augmented. AT about 9
P. NJ. a sudden gush sent
GREAT THICK CHUNKS OF ICE
over the banks above and they came tear
ing down among the buildings like great
sledge hammers, and when one would
strike house there would be crash and
a roar which led many to believe the
town was torn in pieces. Many who had
the temerity to remain in the second
stories over night began ringing
bells and firing guns to attract
attention and seek help to gain the
friendly bluffs. Soon after this the waters
began to fall, and at the same time the
river set up roar, which was song Of
gladness, for the gorge had broken. The
water rapidly receded, and at this time
the river stands just below the lower front
door sills. In Pierre some houses had
been moved from their foundations and
lumber piles foated of. The loss will be
about e5 900. In Fort Pierre the loss was
undoubtedly much greater, it being lower,
and the ice having pushed up over the
banks and into the town like glacier
round the houses, and signs are visible
from here, but all communication Is cut
of.