FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 6, 2007
CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

State Historical Society remembers the Rapid City flood

PIERRE, SD –The South Dakota State Historical Society will host a Brown Bag Luncheon on Friday, June 8, at 12:15 p.m. in the Education Room of the Cultural Heritage Center to recall memories of the Rapid City Flood of 1972. 

“This weekend will be the 35^th anniversary of the Rapid City Flood” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. “Although the flood affected the Black Hills communities, it affected the entire state, from the National Guard members who were called to assist in locating the missing and dead to many worried about friends and family members living or vacationing in the Hills at that time. We invite area residents to share their stories.”

On June 9-10, 1972, extremely heavy rains over the eastern Black Hills of South Dakota produced record floods on Rapid Creek and other streams in the area. Nearly 15 inches of rain fell in about six hours near Nemo, and more than 10 inches of rain fell over an area of 60 square miles. According to the Red Cross, the resulting floods left 238 people dead and 3,057 people injured. In addition to the human tragedy, total damage was estimated in excess of $160 million (about $664 million in 2002 dollars), which included 1,335 homes and 5,000 automobiles that were destroyed. 

The discussion will be led by Terry Woster, who was an Associated Press reporter called in to keep the rest of the state and the nation appraised of the destruction and rescue efforts. 

The archives collection has a variety of photos, newspapers, and other documents that demonstrate the destruction and the stories. They will be making them available at the Brown Bag Discussion. 

“We invite area residents to bring with them photos and other items of interest on the flood” said Vogt.