May 1901 Flood

On the 21st of May, 1901, the Doe River overflowed and caused extensive damage.
ETWNC railroad tracks were washed away in 62 places between Elk Park and Hampton.  There were severe losses in Hampton such as a large flouring mill and 18,000 lbs. of flour.  The town could not be reached by train.  Elizabethton had 23 dwellings washed way. Several were in the African American community. Several other homes were moved from their foundations, lodged and wrecked.  A new Methodist church at Watauga Point was swept away.  Watauga Lumber Company lost 5 to 6 million board feet of logs and all of its boats.  All of the bridges over the Doe River were lost except for the Covered Bridge.  The flood damages in Elizabethton were estimated to be approximately $1,000,000.  Two lives were lost.  There was extensive damages to roads and fences.  People did not have power for five days.