By Mary Turner and Sydney Turner

As winter rains return to the Stanislaus River, it’s a good time to remember one of the most dramatic moments in Knights Ferry’s past. On January 11, 1862, during the Great Flood of 1861–62, days of heavy rain and melting Sierra snow sent floodwaters roaring through town.

The river rose incredibly fast, as much as three to four feet an hour, eventually reaching about 35 feet above its normal level. Homes and much of the business district were washed away. The town’s original wooden bridge held on for a time, but its luck ran out when a bridge from Two Mile Bar broke loose upstream and slammed into it, destroying the crossing.

Newspapers at the time reported that nearly the entire town had been swept away. Still, Knights Ferry rebuilt. Ferry service returned, and by 1863 a new covered bridge was built higher above the river. That bridge remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area today.

More than 160 years later, the flood of January 11 reminds us both of the power of the Stanislaus and the determination of the people who chose to rebuild here.

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Sources:

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Knights Ferry history

Cali49 Gold Rush Trail, Knights Ferry

The Daily Alta California, 1862 flood reports

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I’m looking for someone who might like to help share the writing of this column.

The idea is to keep it flexible. We could take turns writing, co-write when it makes sense, or simply contribute when time allows. No strict schedule, just sharing the load and keeping our local news and happenings covered.

If you like writing, staying connected to what’s going on around town, and helping keep our small historic community informed, I’d love to connect.

Please reach out if you’re interested or want more details.

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Ongoing Events:

Odd Fellows Breakfast - 1st Sunday of the month @ The Odd Fellows Lodge

Free Market - 2nd Tuesday 3:30 @ The Odd Fellows Lodge

Taco Tuesday - 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon

Thankful Thursdays - Free meal with drink purchase 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon

Community Trash Pickup - Last Sunday of the month - 10am @ Knights Ferry Art Studio

Upcoming Events:

Water Board Meeting - January 15, 7pm @ The Millers Hall

Odd Fellows Potluck Social - January 28, 6pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge

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Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news, upcoming events, historical facts about the area, jokes or recipes to share? Contact Mary & Sydney Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com