How the Potomac River carved two defining moments into our town’s history
Paw Paw’s story has always been tied to the Potomac River — a source of beauty, power, and, at times, devastation. Over the last century, two major floods left lasting marks on the town: the Great Flood of 1936 and the Flood of 1985. Each event reshaped the landscape, tested the community’s resilience, and became part of Paw Paw’s shared memory.
This page offers a brief overview of both floods, with links to full articles where you can explore each event in depth.
The Great Flood of 1936
In March 1936, a combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt caused the Potomac River to rise to levels never before recorded. Water swept across the low‑lying areas of Paw Paw, damaging homes, washing out roads, and isolating the town from the outside world.
Though the population was smaller and the town less developed than it is today, the 1936 flood was a defining moment for early‑20th‑century Paw Paw — a reminder of the river’s force and the community’s determination to rebuild.
Read the full article: The 1936 Flood in Paw Paw, WV
The Flood of 1985
Nearly fifty years later, Paw Paw faced another catastrophic event. On November 4–5, 1985, a stalled storm system dumped record‑breaking rainfall across the Potomac Highlands. The river rose with terrifying speed, overwhelming the town and causing some of the worst destruction in Paw Paw’s modern history.
Homes were swept away. Businesses were destroyed. Roads and bridges vanished under the water. Many residents still remember the sound of the rising river, the frantic evacuations, and the long, difficult months of recovery that followed.
The 1985 flood remains one of the most significant events in Paw Paw’s collective memory — a moment when neighbors became lifelines and the town’s resilience shone through.
Read the full article: The 1985 Flood in Paw Paw, WV
A Town Shaped by Water — and Resilience
Though decades apart, the 1936 and 1985 floods share a common thread: Paw Paw’s ability to endure, rebuild, and support one another in the face of hardship. These events are not just stories of destruction — they are stories of strength, community, and the deep connection between Paw Paw and the river that runs beside it.
This page serves as a gateway to understanding how water has shaped our past and how our community continues to rise above it.