The Johnstown Flood

In "The Johnstown Flood," master historian David McCullough recounts the harrowing tale of a preventable disaster in late 19th-century America. Set in the thriving town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the narrative details the catastrophic failure of an inadequately maintained dam, which resulted in a devastating flood that claimed over 2,000 lives. Through richly textured storytelling, McCullough explores the era’s blend of industrial ambition and negligence, delivering a poignant historical lesson on the importance of accountability among those in positions of authority.