Mineral Point, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mineral Point, Pennsylvania
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 Mineral Point, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Mineral Point, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Cambria |
| Township | East Taylor |
| Elevation | 1,375 ft (419 m) |
| Population | 2 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 814 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1181316 |
Mineral Point is a small, unincorporated community in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, but is part of a larger township or county. Mineral Point is located in East Taylor Township.
The Great Flood of 1889
Mineral Point was tragically destroyed during the Great Flood of 1889. This terrible event happened on May 31, 1889. The flood was caused by the failure of the South Fork Dam.
Dam Failure and Flood Impact
The South Fork Dam was located on the south fork of the Little Conemaugh River. When the dam broke, a huge amount of water from what was once Lake Conemaugh rushed downstream. Mineral Point was the very first populated place hit by this fast-moving water. It was located about one mile (1.6 km) below the Conemaugh Viaduct.
Destruction of Mineral Point
About 30 families lived in the village of Mineral Point at that time. The flood waters were incredibly powerful. After the flood, there was nothing left of the village. All the buildings were gone. Even the topsoil and sub-soil were washed away, leaving only the bare bedrock. Sadly, around 16 people from Mineral Point lost their lives in the flood.
