|
Newspaper
accounts of early Texas tornadoes are rare, but the Dallas Herald
devoted two long columns to the storm that “swept the village of Cedar
Hill from the face of the earth” on May 4, 1856. Eyewitnesses
reported that two storms collided a mile south of the community creating
a “terrific whirlwind.” The devastation was virtually indescribable.
The ferocious winds plucked feathers from birds, killed and mutilated
livestock, carried large plows half a mile, drove timers into the
ground, and razed every building in the town. “Even the prairie was
shorn off as with fire or scythe.” Merchandise from the community
store was found thirty miles away along Rowlett Creek in the far northeast
corner of Dallas County.
The Herald reported nine deaths and twelve severely injuries.
As was often the case at this time, the death toll may not be accurate;
many with life-threatening injuries would succumb in the coming days.
In the fashion of the day, the newspaper accounts described in horrific
detail the treatment storms meted to humans and animals. I have declined
to include these particulars in this account, but those who are interested
may read the gory tales in the Dallas Herald of May 10, 1856.
© Marlene
Bradford
June 3, 2014 column
[ Texas Tornadoes: The Lone Star State’s
Deadliest Twisters ] |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
HOME
