In Port Deposit's history, 1910 was the year of the ice gorges that caused mass destruction along Main Street.  Erika Quesenbery together with Port Deposit Heritage Corporation has prepared a short but vibrant presentation that tells the story of Port Deposit's continual battle with Mother Nature and the great resilience of our community. This presentation took place on Tuesday, February 2nd. For those that missed the presentation, we have created a web version available here

There are three recorded ice gorges in Port Deposit, the first was in January 1893, costing the town and its citizens $25,000 in losses, a large amount of money in those days.

Disaster struck again on 8th January 1905, here is a copy of the newpaper article in the Philadelphia Enquirer:

"PORT DEPOSIT, Md., Jan. 8.---The most serious and critical stage of the ice gorge was reached to-day and the people were terror-stricken. Several were suspended in several of the churches. The water surrounded the Pennsylvania Railroad station to within two inches of the floor and the office of the Rowland Manufacturing Company, as well as their lumber sheds, are expected at any moment to be swept away.

Superintendent Bannard went to Safe Harbor to view the condition of the Port Deposit and Columbia Railroad and river, but was unable to return owing to the rubbish and ice deposited on the tracks and a break in them which is said to be half mile long below Port Deposit."

The third disaster took place in February 1910, and will be the subject of the presentation during the meeting on Tuesday, February 2nd.

Click on the images to enlarge them.