In January 1937, the Ohio River flooded, causing the worst disaster in the Ohio Valley's history. Nearly 400 people died, a million were left homeless, and damages totaled $500 million.

Heavy rain and melting snow caused the river to overflow along its entire length, including West Virginia cities like Wheeling, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, Ravenswood, and Huntington. In some places, the river rose more than 19 feet above flood stage, submerging homes, businesses, and entire communities.

The disaster led the federal government to build floodwalls, dams, and reservoirs to prevent future floods.