The Ashtabula Bridge Disaster: The Worst Train Disaster of the 19th Century
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 มิ.ย. 2022
- 92 people died in 1876 when the Ashtabula Bridge failed as their train crossed and the rail cars plummeted 70 feet to the frozen river below. Some died on impact but most were burned to death.
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#ashtabula #train #traincrash #trainwreck #railroad #railway #ghost #ohio #paranormal #haunted #cemetery
I love hearing these stories, even though it is of the macabre and very tragic. It's our duty as human beings, to remember history, either good or bad. To have lived your life, then die in such a horrible way, and be forgotten to time, where your name is but a distant memory. That, in my opinion, is one of the saddest things. No one wants to be forgotten. That's why I love what you do, what historians and librarians do. You guys make sure that everyone not only knows the story's of what happened, years gone by, but you make sure that those passed and forgotten, are still alive in our hearts, that they still have a name.
Thank you again, for taking the time to study and research these stories, so they not be forgotten.
Thank YOU Dara for such a valuable comment! History needs to be remembered for sure!
Thank you for watching and commenting! I appreciate it! 😊
You had my tears pouring with this one. I was a combat medic, but during my day, women weren't allowed on the front, so I trained medics and served as a paramedic for civilians, with the intention of continuing after my military career. I've seen heroics of men running into completely consumed with fires, complete strangers to the families. One man I remember clearly, after time lost part of his leg and one hand from his heroics. The media interviewed him after his hospitalization and asked him what made him risk his own life? He said he had rather died than live with hearing those screams the rest of his life. He was an amazing man. I've also seen people looting while the rescue efforts were going on. Human kind is so puzzling. What makes one man see people that need him, where others see an opportunity to steal? Great story, very painful, but such a great job that you and your family do Thank you for keeping these stories alive. So impressed with your channel. Thank you my friends.
“Human kind is so puzzling”. Those words spill from my mouth almost daily.
Thank you for such wonderful support of the channel Pamela! And thanks for sharing such an amazing story!! 😊😊
Thank you for your service 💘
It was an honor, and thank you!
Very sad story. I got cold chills with this one. It’s sad when adults die in an accident, but even more tragic when children die. At least the adults have had the chance to at least live some of their life. May all those that lost their lives in this terrible tragedy be resting in peace. 😢
Amen Me Me
Interestingly all these years later, they're still finding personal effects and remnants of the train on the banks and in the river.
I was raised in Conneaut, Ohio during the 1960's and 70's which is 20 miles east of Ashtabula. My friends and I were fascinated with this tragic event. We spent many days and nights at the site looking for artifacts of the accident as well as ghost hunting. Local legend suggests hearing a huge crash, people crying for help as well as apparitions. We did find artifacts, but never no noises or apparitions. Thanks for this story. It brought back many memories.
You’re welcome Robin Hood! Thank you for watching and commenting! 😊
I was also a teen of the 70's in Ashtabula. Myself and a few musician buddies from the now defunct Ashtabula High School would often go to the Chestnut Grove Cemetery and hang out to play and write music because it was so quiet and peaceful there. We would never leave the cemetery without visiting the grave of the unidentified dead from that disaster. It wasa huge part of my youth Lore. Yes definitely brings back memories
I was born and raised in Ashtabula . Though I live in North Carolina now where I have been since the late 1980's. I spent my youth in the 1970's in Ashtabula till I joined the US Army in 1982. As a teen , myself a musician , and some teen band mates would often go to the Chestnut Grove cemetery in Ashtabula, with our guitars , and play and write music. It was a perfect , quiet , peaceful place to get away from distractions. We would often go to the Mass Grave in that cemetery where the multitude of the unidentified dead were put to rest under a large monument with the history of the tragic event engraved upon it. This tale was a great part of the history of the area and was always a point of fascination for me. You did such a great job with this mini documentary . Kudos to you for telling this story so respectfully , and professionally.
There is something humbling and modest about your videos that I love - No corny editing; no cringe jokes and I could hear the rumblings of thunder in the backround - Watching these videos make me think of my father - Thank you for posting, sir - 👍
Wonderful comment Ultrashiver! Thank you for this. It’s great seeing you here again. I appreciate your support!
I love the way you include small bits of information like the song without music. You give these stories a much more personal touch.
Thank you Todd! So very nice of you to say! 😊😊😊
That song title is called Sing of My Redeemer, such a great song. Although I'm no longer religious, I still like that song, among others.
Born Ashtabula 86 , raised in conneaut to date. We have some of the most interesting history moments in all of Ohio. This one is sad. I was told this story by my Father told by his father passed down. 3 generations railroad workers and i was told many stories. This one i was told when i was young. I will never forget it. Thank you for your video. I appreciate your dedication and spot on facts about that legendary incident.
Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it!
Another great video John. Yet another event I'd never heard of until now. Thank you for the knowledge as always.
You’re most welcome Space Ace! And thank you again for the kind words and your continued support! Great to see you here again my friend.
I must say I FANCY the camera man (John) that said...."wow" in the most monotone voice ever @ 6:44 BUT I can tell he really took to what the man said lol... good documentary.
hi. newcomer here. What unimaginable horror. When you said that the ones that died first were the lucky ones, I instantly thought of the Indianapolis because after hearing of what they endured at sea, the ones that died in the initial explosion seemed a strange version of "lucky" too. I found myself wanting to reach through time and space to throttle that fire chief.
Well done, CH! Great story telling.
Oh! Almost forgot - subscribed. :)
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING CAUTIONTOSSER! Welcome to the community! I am so glad you are here! 😁😁😁
Wow! I did not know that about Philip Bliss! I am a published hymn writer and I found this story quite heart wrenching. What a tragic end for one of our country’s most renowned hymn composers. Thank you for sharing this sad story with such respect for those who perished so horrifically.
Thank YOU Jan for continuing to support the channel.
It Is Well was my favorite hymn while growing up but I never knew who wrote it. Imagine my surprise when I started researching this story!
Thank you for sharing about the hymn that really touched my heart. Back in 1984 I was 17 yrs old , I had a horrible car accident at night where my car crashed through a wooden bridge and sunk in the water . By Gods grace earlier that day my air conditioner broke in my car which caused me to keep the windows rolled down . This happened in Florida on a very hot day, the car sunk into alligator infested waters . If my windows were not open it would of been my coffin. I have always felt since that day that God rescued me . The fact that his hymn survived out of the wreckage is haunting in a very beautiful chilling way.
Glad you’re here with us Claire! Scary scenario for sure.
All Gods plan!
Another great video!! Heard about this incident while growing up in Madison, OH, during the 1960s-1970s but never visited the crash site. Few years ago, my sister, her friend, and I made a visit to site. Was just a humbling experience but did not notice anything other than a few annoying teenagers that happened to appear. We visited the historical marker and the cemetery as well.
Hard to believe that just 6-months prior to this tragedy the Battle of the Little Big Horn was fought. 5-moths prior was the 100th Anniversary of the BIRTH of the Nation!!
Also, the TH-cam Channel, THE HISTORY GUY, has an excellent video about this incident.
What a sad story. I just came on your channel and I love it. History and the occasional ghost story. Thank you. I subscribed.
Thank you Debra and welcome to the community! It’s great to have you here!
And thanks for watching and commenting!
what an absolute tragedy. I don't have any doubt that the area around the bridge has residual energy from those victims.
It definitely has a “feel” there Chris.
I just discovered you. I love all the history ❣️ you're a great story teller.💝
Thank you Jennifer for such kind words. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for watching and commenting!
Very well done. Thanks for another great story of of a subject that looms large in our own day and age where our aging infrastructure is ignored to our own peril.
Thank you for watching and commenting Tower! I truly appreciate it!
That was a sad but traumatic day that will forever be a part of Ashtabula Ohio history and it's sad that it takes a tragic loss of life to make the travel industry put in place bridge safety inspections. I have another bridge disaster that took several lives and it's called the silver bridge collapse in the area of Point Pleasant West Virginia and you can research it for yourself.
Totally agree James.
Thanks for the heads up on the silver bridge collapse. I will have to look it up.
And thanks again for your continued support. I really appreciate it.
@@CuriousHistoryYT You're welcome my friend.
My goodness… That leaves a person speechless. The grim sorrow can be felt there even today, yet with a hushed calm that has now embraced those souls lost in this tragedy. The tears just don’t cease… I Will Sing Of My Redeemer, that song is ringing forth in Heaven with jubilant voices of those who made it to the other side of the Pearly Gates.
Thank you for sharing this.
God bless those souls.
Well said BlueberryGirl723!
Thank you for watching and commenting!
Just found your channel! I think we are kindred spirits. Nothing is better than mixing history with ghostly stories. Nicely done.
Thank you Alex!
Thanks for yet another great video , I think this is probably the worst rail disaster in the United States that I've ever heard of . If that bridge location isn't the scene of paranormal activity then it's missing a good chance at it .
Thanks Dennis!
The location certainly felt heavy. I would imagine spirits would be abundant there
A very sobering story, and you tell it so well. Many thanks:-)
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Nicely done, Sir. Look forward to more...
Thanks Bill! I appreciate it!
so glad I have found your channel.
you truly do a professional job on your research and delivery.
please keep up the great work.
I look forward to more of your videos.
I look forward to seeing more comments from you Ed!
Thanks for the kind words and for watching!
34yrs old grew up my whole life in ashtabula county never heard of the train wreck. Wow chilling story. Amazing and you did such a great job telling it. Wow.....
Thank you! 😊😊😊
A very sad but a very remarkable story with a very remarkable presentation. My heart and prayers goes out to all the victims and all the families, and to all who suffered from this horrible incident. May they all REST IN PEACE! Thank you, Curious History, GOD bless!
God Bless Gregory. Thank you!
Great video, I very much enjoyed it! Ive read a great deal on this disaster, and have visited the site of the crash on multiple occasions as well as the cemetery a few blocks away containing the mass grave of those who could not be identified. I found it ironic that the mass grave, and Collins tomb are within sight of one another, and that the hospital that exists today is literally just up the hill from the disaster site. Thank you for the video, liked and subscribed, and looking forward to watching more of your videos.
THANK YOU PLUMBER219! Welcome to the community! I am so glad you are here!😊😊
This reminds me of Quintinshill, the worst ever railroad disaster in the UK. Same thing - wooden cars, gas lights - terrible fire and that was it. It happened in 1915. Over 200 deaths.
I found this channel today, absolutely amazing - very well presented!
Thank you so much for the kind words Little Kitty!
I don’t know about Quintinshill! I must read up on it!
Thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate it! 😊
@@CuriousHistoryYT There was another famous disaster, which was similar to Ashtabula, the famous Tay Bridge Disaster in 1879 - spookily similar: massive storm, snow, and then a train went over the Tay Bridge in Scotland - only for the bridge to collapse. There is even a poem about it, I had to learn it at school.
I have been over the Tay Bridge on a train, it looks all peaceful now of course (the bridge was rebuilt) but apparently the original bridge was not strong enough, and on that fateful night the storm was so strong that the signalman had to crawl back to the signalbox on all fours after exchanging the token with the driver (I believe it was a single line at the time).
Wow! I must find the story and poem!
Thank you for the info Little Kitty!
This video is a fitting tribute to the memories of those lost. Good work.
Thank you Wolf!
Horrifying and incredibly sad. The narrator was human and not some cold robotic voice. Thank you Sir .
Thank YOU Bluewolfdude!
Such an incredibly tragic story, and I could tell it was very hard for you to get through this one. But I loved that you ended this on such a positive and absolutely amazing historical piece of trivia - something I had no idea about! I won't mention what it was in case anyone should read this comment before watching. I want them to be as surprised as I was to learn something new (maybe?). You have an amazing talent of telling these stories... so much horrific tragedy, but yet you find some way to bring it around to something positive. Thank you so much! This is now the third video I've watched from your channel and I am enthusiastic to watch the next one!
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Some of these are hard to get through.
I can tell it is for you too at certain points. Hearing about it is one thing. Seeing the human aspect like the personal belongings that were recovered drives it home hard.
Was there anyone at all who survived that?
Yes Piscean. 64 people were injured but survived. They were mostly located in the last 2 cars. They had less of a fall and were able to escape before the cars erupted.
It was very difficult to research for sure.
Unfortunately I am researching something now that is so devastating it almost sickens me.
That is the saddest story I think I've ever heard. I can't imagine how horrible that would be to witness such a horrific tragedy.
I love hearing history and you are a great story teller. I'm going to have to subscribe because your history stories are so good.
THANK YOU RETHA! I APPRECIATE YOU SUBSCRIBING!!! Welcome to the community! 😊😊😊😊
Thank you. I had never heard of this, and despite it's sad content, it is very good to make sure these stories are not passed into obscurity.
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Very well done. Hard to imagine what those poor people went through. Reminds me a little of the Johnstown Flood. Thanks.
Thank YOU! I appreciate your support!
Going back to look for videos I've missed. This story is awesome but tragic. I just have a love for bridges and trains. Thanks for showing.
Thanks for the support Darlene! 😊😊😊
Every time I hear Ashtabula I think of Bob McGuire singing “she was doing the hoola”.
I just wanted to say that the way you tell these stories is as if you’re breathing life into them. It’s quite beautiful, thank you for releasing all these videos.
Bless you Leah! Such a very nice thing to say! I really appreciate it!
Love it, subbed! Keep chugging away at the channel, sir. You're producing fascinating, superb content. 👍😎👌
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING MR JEAN DEAUX! Welcome to the community! I am so very glad you are here! 😊😊
I’m new to your channel and you’ve definitely earned my sub and support. This is, by far, the best one I’ve watched! Best wishes for much success!
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING STEPHANIE!! Welcome to the community!!! I am so glad you are here! 😊😊😊
Wow! Just wow. I appreciate the effort you put into these docu-stories. I’m so happy that your channel popped up in my feed yesterday. I find your style of presentation right down my alley; your speaking style is often ballad like.
I am so happy as well!
It’s an honor to converse with such a positive, encouraging community of people such as yourself!
Thank you so very much for supporting me and the channel!
Chilling!!! .. your story telling draws one in as if taken back in time.
Thank you Tina! 😊😊😊
Horrific and incredibly sad.
I love these smaller, less well known but somehow more engaging pieces of history. And since my name has the same initials as the channel, and the contents are something I enjoy, of course I had to subscribe.
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING CELESTE!!! Welcome to the community! I am so glad you are here!😊😊😊😊😊
Hi John, a very tragic piece of history, I cannot fathom what those people went through, those that died instantly were spared the horror that befell the rest.
Thank you for sharing, much love. xx ❤
This was a tough one to research Sue. So tragic!
@@CuriousHistoryYT I can imagine, you did a wonderful job with such a hard subject matter. xx
Wow! I had no idea about the details of this! Thank you for your videos!
My pleasure Ryn! Thank you for watching! 😊😊😊
Wow, amazing video and so sad for the victims. I love the dedication you put into your videos and the history of it too.
Thank you Edith! 😊😊😊
I want to thank you so much for sharing this.
You’re most welcome Sonia. Thank YOU for watching and commenting! 😊
There is also legend there was a car full of silver on that train that went missing.
Great video once again John. Love your storytelling and your research is BEYOND reproach! Thanks for making and sharing with us the history of Ohio...although not always a delightful part of history, nonetheless something that needs to be told.
Thank you Brian. I appreciate your support!
You’re covering history I NEVER learned in school or otherwise! Thank you for keeping these stories alive and bringing them to the public! 💙 don’t mind me I’m just going on a binge 🥰
That’s horrifying. Do we know how hot the flames got?
Thank you AJ for binging!! 😀😀 I appreciate the support!
I don’t have specific degrees for the heat but only the thickest of steel from the bridge and train survived. Everything else was completely destroyed.
This is terrifying! I don't know how it could get any worse.. thank you for sharing
You’re welcome!
Yep. Terrifying indeed.
So sad. I can imagine what those people went through.
This is an amazing video. You just gained a new subscriber. ❤
Thank you! ❤️❤️
Another wonderful video. Thanks
Glad you’re enjoying the video’s Jenn! 😊
Damn. That's horrific. I can't imagine the pain they all felt. RIP to them all.
Amen Liz. Well said!
Excellent video. My Great Grandfather and Grandfather worked for the RR in Michigan. Great Gramps is pretty much unknown to me but he would have known of this wreck having worked during the late 19th century. My Grandfather started working for the Michigan Central in Bay City in 1916 and ended in Kalamazoo in 1961. I remember him telling me of some of the wrecks he had to work the clean ups. Actually got to go to one and was amazed at how tore up a train can get when it jumps the rails. I'm amazed that this train was even trying to move through a lake effected blizzard, but the answer is the same as always...MONEY.
Yep. Money for sure.
Thank you for sharing your family history on the rails! Good stuff!
This is a very important video. A real contribution.
Thank you Turbo Jones! I appreciate you watching!
great job love the knowledge
Thanks Howard!
And thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate the support!
If I could give this video here another four more 👍's I would! How wonderfully told. You did a phenomenal job. This was truly very tragic.
Thank you Ondrea! Great to see you here again! Happy Halloween! 🎃🎃🎃
Hi John, and Happy Father's Day. What another sad, tragic tale of those on the train. Did it say in your research wheather or not the first engine made it without plunging into the water? I cannot image the fear those people felt as the cars tumbled off the bridge. It sounded like in your story that a main support gave way, (broke), or someone (?) had perhaps sabotaged the bridge?
I hope those who were still alive 'went quickly' to meet the Lord before the fire or the water got to them. What an awful way to perish. I hope a memorial was set-up somewhere to help those whom come after us, to remind them of this fateful night. Thank you for all you do, and stay safe, and God bless you all in your travels. Looking forward to the next episode. Take care!
Hi Lewis. Happy Father’s Day to you as well.
Sad tale indeed.
Yes the first engine made it across safely. When the bridge began to collapse, the lead engineer went full throttle and made it across safely.
It was determined that one of the trusses failed. I am assuming it was the southern side truss as the train fell to the south side of the bridge and the remaining parts of the bridge fell to the north side.
The only memorial is the 37ft tall monument at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. There are a few historical markers in town as well.
Thanks for watching and commenting Lewis. I appreciate your continued support!
@@CuriousHistoryYT thanks for the update! Most appreciated.
You are an amazing story teller. Thank you for sharing these events. Good or bad, it's history that all should hear.
It’s my pleasure Rebecca! Thank YOU for watching! I really appreciate it!
Very well done. Thank you.
Thank you for watching Michael!
Excellent, touching video. I’m a historian and I’m very impressed.
Thank you Polly! I appreciate your kind words! 😊
Wow, that's pretty heart wrenching.
I loved watching the trains as a youngster in the 50's. I wonder if anyone had a premonition of this and decided not to travel
Great question Diane! 🤔🤔
Such a sad tragic story. Thank you, you told the of the people and the accident very appropriately, well done.
Thank you Nancy! 😊
This one brought a tear to my eye...💗🇨🇦
Thank you for making this valuable journey into the history and last moments of life of Phillip and Lucy Bliss ❤ Greetings from Poland 🕊️
Absolutely obsessed with your account
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I really like your videos!
I really like your comment! 😊
Great video sir, I found you on accident and I’m glad I did , I love history
I’m glad you did too Cory! I hope to see you here again soon!
What a great video. I knew of the bridge disaster. The human element was touching. I had no idea that the Ashtabula library owns artifacts obtained from the wreckage.
The people at the library were so helpful and welcoming! They were happy to let us video and took time to answer any questions we had. 10/10!
Thank you for your continued support Heather! It’s great to see you here again!
Awesome story👍 Thank you.
Thank YOU for watching Cher! 😊😊😊
I believe that Phillip Bliss also wrote “It is Well With My Soul” when his daughters were killed on the Lusitania.
I heard the same thing Annette.
Hello, love your work. I work for Praxair which has a location in Ashtabula which I have been to a handful of times, and I bartend on the weekend at Pearl St Brewery in Buffalo, NY (where I live) on the weekends, and we have a beer called Trainwreck named after this event.....greatly appreciate the story!
Awesome info Rachel! Thanks!
And thanks for watching and commenting! 😊😊
thnaks for a fantastic episode sent goosebumps up my spine the whole episode with such a touching heartfelt story
Thank you Spud! I appreciate the kind words!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
A remarkable story. Thank you.
Thank you Mark!
this is horrific beyond words
I thought so too Sheila.
@@CuriousHistoryYT it was hard to watch but you did such a great job and you are so respectful I toughed it out to the end
This story broke my heart completely.
Yeah it’s a sad one for sure Kathleen. Unimaginable.
Thanks!
very tragic indeed thank you.
An absolutely terrible tragedy. It is so very obvious that this story was hard for you to recount and I can understand why. I just wonder why no one thought to just stop at a earlier railroad station? It's like they thought the trains were able to handle any conditions!
It's like another true story of a nice warn day in late fall that ended up in white out conditions. The temperature dropped so fast that cattle froze standing up because the air froze their lungs. Children were at schools not dressed warm enough and were trapped. Some froze to death when the fire wood ran out, the desks and chairs were burned too. A train was locked into the deep drifts with passengers on board. It had to be dug out from above! Frostbite took it's toll too.
Near Guelph, Ontario, Canada on a stretch of highway infamous for dense fogs, a massive multicar pile up occurred. Multiple deaths and injuries. A young teenaged girl was pinned and rescuers and bystanders worked frantically to save her as fire started ripping through the pile up. Many refused to leave as the flames reached her so she would not die alone. This still hurts my soul.
I've been caught on highway 81 in NY state in 1984 in blizzard/white out conditions. Many people (including my then young family) spent three nights in a firehall in a little town, only emerging after six feet of snow. The town residents took very good care of us. Not an experience I'd wish on any one.
Oh and I experienced the East Coast blizzard of 1977, that was five feet of snow. A ship called the Hope went down off Salem Harbor with all hands on board lost I believe.
This is why I LOVE history! It’s not the dates and names, it’s the real, human effect. Many know about the blizzard of 1977 but only those who experienced it can tell the human side, the feeling of the historical account!
Nicely done!
Thank you for sharing this! 😊
Cool, love this stuff 🇦🇺
I am really enjoying your channel. I love Ohio history.
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying it! Glad you’re here!
Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊😊😊
Subscribed👍👍👍👍
Thank you Marjorie! ❤️❤️❤️
your welcome, still watching
Nice! Thank you again!
Well done always
Thank you David! I appreciate it! 😊
How sad! Terrible disaster. Thanks for sharing . Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s Love and miss mine…….
Thanks Jerry. I echo your sentiment. Happy Father’s Day to all.
And thanks again for your support!
What a disaster. Thanks for the story.
Yep this one was a tough one to film. Got a little spooky in parts as the current bridge still hosts an active rail line.
Thanks again for your continued support!
I enjoy these stories all about the history for this
Well done!
Thank you Michael! 😊
Very interesting and told well.
Thank you Joan. I appreciate you watching and commenting! Thank you!
We're in astabula for a Buck ride and visited the museum. Very sad but interesting
I grew up in Portland, OR, on the NE side right next to the RR line and developed an early interest in trains. Of course, the trains of the day were steam locomotives. Fast forward a few decades....A few years ago my wife and I flew to the southern part of France to attend a wedding. From there we rode the train to London and through the chunnel. On the way, the train was doing well over 300 mph as the countryside whizzed by.
Also, once in China, over ten years ago, we took a short train ride to the airport....for a short time, the train was doing 425 K/h.
America has much to learn about trains.
Absolutely!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Tragic and sad.
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This train roams around the world now
John D. Rockefeller was supposed to be on the eastbound train to New York but got the flu and had to cancel his trip.
Amazing stuff! History is full of what ifs. Imagine if he didn’t get the flu!
@@CuriousHistoryYT The history of the world would be far different
Agreed. To have a visionary tycoon like Rockefeller end up not fulfilling his destiny is unimaginable!
Hopefully you will do a story on Amherst Ohio 1916 train wreck. It involved 3 trains I believe 2 trains were the New York Central 20th Century Limited
It’s on the list! Thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate it!