The mighty Columbia River is a powerhouse. In addition to being the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia carries more water than any other river entering the Pacific Ocean. In 1948, the river flooded, causing havoc all along the Columbia River Basin, and completely wiping out Oregon’s second-largest city.
During World War II, shipbuilder Henry Kaiser established three ship building yards in the Portland area, but there was a massive housing shortage and nowhere for workers to live. Kaiserville, later named Vanport, was established in 1942. When it was built, Kaiserville was the largest housing project in the country.
NWSPortland/YouTube
The huge housing complex was built right in the middle of a flood plain, and was surrounded by three dikes and a railroad berm. The buildings were hastily constructed of wood and placed on wood foundations, and there was only one entrance to the city.
NWSPortland/YouTube
Home to as many as 40,000 residents, Vanport was the second-largest city in Oregon. After the war was over, many people moved away, but in May, 1948, the city still had around 18,500 residents.
Portland Housing Authority/Wikimedia
During the spring of 1948, weather was particularly rainy, and an increased snow pack also contributed to widespread flooding along the Columbia River. Floods occurred all the way from the Canadian border, through Washington, and into Oregon.
NWSPortland/YouTube
By Memorial Day, Vanport residents were starting to get very nervous. They placed sandbags, and some moved their possessions from the main floor of their homes to the upper levels. However, on the morning of May 30th, the Portland Housing Authority assured residents that they were safe.
NWSPortland/YouTube
At 4:17 p.m. on May 30th, the railroad berm broke, and a 10-foot wall of water came rushing into town.
NWSPortland/YouTube
The devastation was heartbreaking. The flimsy homes were no match for raging flood waters, and many were lifted right off their foundations. Others simply exploded into shards of boards and shingles.
NWSPortland/YouTube
The town was evacuated, and many people were rescued from roofs. Residents stayed in shelters, and 15 people were confirmed dead.
NWSPortland/YouTube
Vanport was deemed a total loss, and it was never rebuilt.
Portland Housing Authority/Wikimedia
Many of the residents of Vanport lost everything they had. They moved elsewhere, and the town was largely forgotten. Delta Park, Portland International Raceway, and Heron Lakes Golf Course now sit where Vanport once thrived.
Portland Housing Authority/Wikimedia
Learn more about the Vanport Flood and the conditions that caused it in this informative film by NWS Portland, posted on YouTube:
NWSPortland/YouTube
Portland Housing Authority/Wikimedia
Were you living in Oregon at the time of the Vanport Flood? Tell us about your memories of this tragedy in the comments!
We love to hear the stories of Oregon’s history – both wonderful and tragic. If you’re a history buff, you might like to read about this forgotten gravesite in eastern Oregon, and see these 13 old photos of Oregon’s favorite beach town.
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