The Ashtabula River railroad disaster (also called the Ashtabula horror, the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, and the Ashtabula train disaster) was caused by the collapse of a bridge over the Ashtabula River near the town of Ashtabula, Ohio, in the United States on Friday, December 29, 1876. A train of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, named the Pacific Express, was passing over the bridge as it collapsed, falling into the icy river. All but the lead locomotive plunged into the river. The train's oil lanterns and coal-fired heating stoves set the wooden cars alight. Firefighters declined to extinguish the flames, leaving individuals to try to pull survivors from the wreck. Many who survived the crash burned to death in the wreckage.
11 passenger cars crash in a ravine near Ashtabula, Ohio, 92 die
The Ashtabula River railroad disaster (also called the Ashtabula horror, the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, and the Ashtabula train disaster) was caused by the collapse of a bridge over the Ashtabula...
Historical Significance
The Ashtabula River railroad disaster (also called the Ashtabula horror, the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, and the Ashtabula train disaster) was caused by the collapse of a bridge over the Ashtabula River near the town of Ashtabula, Ohio, in the United States on Friday, December 29, 1876.
Events Before
Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-
Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-air wagons [1]
Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium
Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium
Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France
Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France
1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75
The Kentucky Derby () is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Captain Matthew Webb makes the first recorded unassisted swim across the English Channel in 21 hours and 45 minutes
The English Channel, also known as the Channel, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France.
Events After
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four wickets to England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
World's first home telephone is installed in Somerville, Massachusetts at the house of Charles Williams Jr. [1]
The Charles Williams Jr. House, built in 1858, is a historic house in Somerville, Massachusetts. Charles Williams Jr.
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
First Wimbledon tennis championship - first official lawn tennis tournament - begins featuring men's singles only
The 1877 Wimbledon Championship was a men's tennis tournament held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club (AEC & LTC) in Wimbledon, London.
More from the 1870s
Belgium disbands its salt tax
Belgium disbands its salt tax
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that tim
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that time
Japan adopts the Gregorian calendar
Japanese calendar types have included a range of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar together with year designations stating the year of the reign of the…
New York City annexes the West Bronx
The boroughs of New York City are the five major governmental districts that compose New York City. They are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 29, 1876?
- The Ashtabula River railroad disaster (also called the Ashtabula horror, the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, and the Ashtabula train disaster) was caused by the collapse of a bridge over the Ashtabula River near the town of Ashtabula, Ohio, in the United States on Friday, December 29, 1876. A train of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, named the Pacific Express, was passing over the bridge as it collapsed, falling into the icy river. All but the lead locomotive plunged into the river.
- Why is 11 passenger cars crash in a ravine near Ashtabula, Ohio, 92 die significant?
- The Ashtabula River railroad disaster (also called the Ashtabula horror, the Ashtabula Bridge disaster, and the Ashtabula train disaster) was caused by the collapse of a bridge over the Ashtabula River near the town of Ashtabula, Ohio, in the United States on Friday, December 29, 1876.