The 1936 Flood in Paw Paw, WV

The Great Flood that tested a small town’s strength

In March 1936, Paw Paw faced one of the most destructive natural events in its early history. Known across the region as “The Great Flood of 1936,” this massive weather event devastated communities along the Potomac River — and Paw Paw was no exception. Though the town was smaller and less developed than it is today, the flood left a deep mark on the landscape and on the memories of the families who lived through it.

What Caused the 1936 Flood?

The disaster was the result of a rare and dangerous combination of weather conditions:

Heavy snowfall during the winter
A sudden warm spell in early March
Torrential rain on top of melting snow

The Potomac River rose rapidly, fed by swollen creeks and runoff from the surrounding mountains. With nowhere for the water to go, the river spilled over its banks and surged into low‑lying areas of Paw Paw.

How the Flood Affected Paw Paw

While Paw Paw in 1936 was a modest railroad and orchard town, the damage was still significant:

Homes near the river were flooded or swept from their foundations
Roads and bridges were washed out, isolating the town
Businesses along the lower streets took on water
Families were forced to evacuate to higher ground
Rail service was disrupted, cutting off supplies and communication

For many residents, the most frightening part was how quickly the water rose. People recalled watching the river creep across fields, then surge into streets, then climb porches and doorsteps in a matter of hours.

The Role of the B&O Railroad

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was both a lifeline and a vulnerability during the flood. Tracks along the river were submerged or damaged, halting trains and delaying relief efforts. Yet the railroad also played a crucial role in recovery:

Crews worked around the clock to clear debris
Supplies were brought in as soon as the line reopened
Workers helped residents move belongings and livestock to safety

The flood highlighted just how intertwined Paw Paw’s fate was with the river and the rails.

Stories From the 1936 Flood

Though fewer firsthand accounts survive compared to the 1985 flood, local families passed down stories of:

Neighbors helping neighbors move furniture to attics
Children watching the river swallow fences and sheds
Families gathering on porches, lanterns in hand, waiting for the water to crest
The eerie silence after the river finally began to recede

These memories became part of Paw Paw’s oral history — reminders of a time when the town faced the river’s full force with grit and cooperation.

Recovery and Aftermath

Once the water receded, the real work began. Mud, debris, and damaged structures lined the streets. Families shoveled out homes, repaired foundations, and salvaged what they could. The town received limited outside assistance, so most of the recovery depended on local labor and determination.

Despite the hardship, the 1936 flood strengthened the community’s sense of resilience. It also influenced future decisions about building locations, river access, and emergency preparedness.

A Flood That Shaped Paw Paw’s Early Identity

While the 1936 flood is often overshadowed by the more recent and more destructive 1985 flood, it remains a defining moment in Paw Paw’s early 20th‑century history. It revealed the power of the Potomac, the vulnerability of the town’s riverside neighborhoods, and the strength of a community that refused to be washed away.

The lessons learned in 1936 would echo decades later — when Paw Paw once again faced rising water in 1985.

Read next: The 1985 Flood in Paw Paw, WV