History

A Raging Flood

, and Barb Warden

July 11, 2026 . 12:00 AM

2 min read

*The flooded neighborhood (Washington to Ford, Clear Creek to 12th) as shown in the 1882 Birdseye View Map and present day, shown in a Google satellite image* - Click to enlarge

Without warning the high wall of water reached Golden, sweeping destruction on its way.

119 Years Ago
The July 11, 1907 Colorado Transcript described a "raging flood" in Clear Creek.

*Passenger train in Clear Creek Canyon (note how close to the Creek the tracks were, even in non-flood times) – L-583-Denver Public Library-Special Collections*

The flood had been caused by a cloudburst several miles up the canyon. The surging creek had washed out a railroad bridge and most of the tracks leading down to Golden. A passenger train was stranded in the canyon.

*Colorado Transcript - July 18, 1907* - Click to enlarge

The wreckage from the railroad bridge and tracks hurtled down the canyon and, reaching Golden, had knocked out the Washington Avenue bridge.

*The flooded neighborhood shown in the 1906 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map -* *Click to enlarge*

After that, the water swelled over its banks into the homes and businesses along 11th Street. "People fled in terror." Cellars filled and water flooded the buildings to depths ranging from six inches to two feet. Driftwood from the flood piled up at 11th and Ford.