Kohanza Reservoir facts for kids
The Kohanza Reservoir was a large reservoir in Danbury, Connecticut. It was built to hold water and supply it to the many hat factories in Danbury. The reservoir was finished in 1866, but sadly, its dam broke just a few years later, on January 31, 1869. This caused a huge flood of ice and water that damaged many homes and farms, and tragically, 11 people lost their lives.
Today, the original reservoir is split into two smaller lakes: Upper Kohanza Lake (41°25′24″N 73°29′37″W / 41.4234°N 73.4935°W) and Lower Kohanza Lake (41°24′57″N 73°28′42″W / 41.4157°N 73.4783°W).
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake that stores water. People build reservoirs by creating a dam across a river or valley. This dam holds back the water, forming a large pool. Reservoirs are super important because they provide drinking water for cities, help with irrigation for farms, and can even generate electricity.
The Kohanza Reservoir was special because it was the first of many reservoirs built to help Danbury's growing hat-making industry. Factories needed a lot of water for their machines and processes.
Building the Kohanza Dam
The construction of the Kohanza Reservoir began in the mid-1860s. Workers built a large dam to hold back the waters of the Kohanza Brook. Once completed in 1866, the reservoir became a vital source of water for Danbury. At the time, Danbury was famous for its hat factories, which were a big part of the city's economy.
The Day the Dam Broke
On January 31, 1869, a terrible disaster struck. The dam holding back the Kohanza Reservoir suddenly broke. It was a cold winter day, so the flood wasn't just water; it was also filled with large chunks of ice.
The powerful rush of water and ice swept through the valley below. In less than an hour, the flood caused massive destruction. It tore down houses, ruined farms, and even moved huge boulders and uprooted trees. Sadly, 11 people died in this sudden and powerful flood. It was a very difficult time for the community of Danbury.
After the Flood
After the dam broke, the original large reservoir was never fully rebuilt in the same way. Instead, the area eventually became two smaller bodies of water that exist today: Upper Kohanza Lake and Lower Kohanza Lake. These lakes are a reminder of the original reservoir and the important, yet tragic, event that happened there.
The disaster taught engineers and city planners important lessons about dam construction and safety. It highlighted the need for strong designs and careful maintenance to protect communities living downstream from reservoirs.
