Conway, Massachusetts, USA
1869 - Conway was known for its sheep farming and other agrarian pursuits in its early years, with some industry along the South River which was washed out in a dam break in 1869.

wikipedia

"The great freshet of 1869 is still vividly remembered by the older residents of the town. It began to rain on Saturday, October 4, and poured in torrents for forty-eight hours. The earth wings of the granite dam at the Tucker & Cook reservoir gave way, and with the water in the reservoir added to the stream, already a raging Hood, a clean sweep was made of practically everything in its path. The covered bridge at Burkeville was the only bridge remaining on South River from Ash field line to the Deerfield. Fourteen bridges were washed away in various parts of the town. All of the mills were more or less seriously damaged. The tannery of William Clapp, which had been an important industry of the town, was completely wrecked. The business did not recover from the loss. Several dwelling houses were moved from their foundations and Main Street between the present Field Library and the bridge was the center of a sizable lake. It was estimated that the total damage to the town in public and private property, including dams, roads, and bridges, was about $50,000..."

wikipedia.org

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