Did you know the biggest flood here happened 200 years ago?
Morning from the Interlake — here's what's happening in Selkirk today. I was reading through the news this morning, and what really caught my eye wasn't about the present, but about something that shaped our very foundation. The story about the Red River's biggest flood, back in 1826, is a real eye-opener. That spring deluge, some historians call it a "once-in-a-millennium flood," completely devastated the Red River Settlement. It's a reminder of just how much power this river holds, even two centuries later.
### A Flood's Lasting Legacy
When you think about Selkirk, you think about the Red River. It’s the heart of our city, bringing life, fishing, and trade. But this story makes you realize it can also bring devastation. The 1826 flood wasn't just high water; it was described as the "wreck of a whole colony." Imagine seeing the river, which we all know so well from Selkirk Park or looking out from the Marine Museum, rising to that level. It really puts our current flood preparations into perspective and makes you appreciate all the work that goes into keeping our homes and businesses safe along Manitoba Avenue.
* The 1826 flood was the largest in recorded Red River history. * It was so severe, it "wrecked a whole colony," showing the river's immense power. * This history grounds our understanding of present-day flood mitigation efforts in Selkirk.
For us here in Selkirk, living right on the banks of the Red, this isn't just some historical anecdote. It's a stark reminder of the river's wild side and why we can never take its power for granted. Every time we see the water rise a little during spring runoff, this 1826 story makes you think twice. It highlights why our dikes, our floodway, and the constant vigilance of our city services are so crucial to maintaining Selkirk's independence and way of life, distinct from the sprawling city to our south.
The morning crew has more on this — hear it at mornings.live.