One small town in Western Pennsylvania suffered a tragic past, eventually becoming little more than a page of Pennsylvania’s history. Interestingly, most people have no idea this underwater city near Pittsburgh ever existed.
Once sat long the Conemaugh River, the small town of Livermore in Derry Township was founded in 1827 by John Livermore.
Wikimedia/Public Domain
By the turn of the century, Livermore had become a bustling town along the West Penn Railroad and the Western Division of the Main Line Canal.
Wikimedia/Public Domain
Tragedy, however, struck on March 17, 1936. What’s now known as the St. Patrick’s Day flood left Livermore under 18 feet of water, causing an estimated $500 million in damages and claiming one life.
Flickr/Ben Beard
The Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938 would eventually lead to the razing of the town of Livermore - including moving the graves in the local cemetery to another location - to allow for the construction of the Conemaugh Dam.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Completed in 1952, the dam protects flooding of numerous areas, including the Allegheny River Valley and the Conemaugh Valley. The overflow of water is stored, avoiding floods, until it is safe to release it.
Flickr/Kordite
Livermore has become but a memory. Sometimes, however, when the water recedes, you can spot glimpses of the former canal.
Flickr/Kordite
Some, however, still flock to the area where Livermore once sat in search of the ghosts. Local lure tells of the spirits of the deceased of Livermore remaining at the site of their former homes.
Flickr/Ben Beard
This underwater city near Pittsburgh, although long gone, has become a page in Pennsylvania’s history. But, it isn’t the only sunken city in Pennsylvania. Click here to read more.
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Flickr/Ben Beard
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flickr/Kordite
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