Massillon History: Flood Control Project 1939-1951

The city of Massillon flooded every year, with the worst floods occurring in 1904, 1913, and 1935. The Tuscarawas River took a natural course that curved into the downtown (where McDonald's is today), which increased the reach of the flood.

In 1936, the Massillon Chamber of Commerce formed a committee to work on flood control, officially called the Massillon Conservancy District. The project consisted of moving the Tuscarawas River, moving the railroad tracks, and creating 3 new viaduct bridges.

The project began in 1939 and was finally completed in 1951, costing more than $10 million. The Tremont viaduct opened on October 8, 1948; the Lincoln Way viaduct opened on November 11, 1949, and the Cherry Road viaduct opened on September 14, 1951.

Seen here are the Tremont, Lincoln Way, and Cherry Road viaducts being built, the river being moved, and the dedication from the Lincoln Way viaduct dedication ceremony in 1949, and parade and dedication ceremony for the Cherry Road viaduct in 1951.

Digitized from the original Independent negatives, taken by Jack Worthington.
From the collection of the Massillon Museum, gift of the Evening Independent (91.47)

Demolition of the Tremont Bridge, 1938

Lincoln Way Viaduct under construction, 1949

Lincoln Way Viaduct under construction, 1949

New waterways were built to divert the water from the river, to prevent flooding

New waterways were built to divert the water from the river, to prevent flooding

Completed Lincoln Way Viaduct

Completed Lincoln Way Viaduct

Lincoln Way Viaduct before its official opening, 1949

A large dedication ceremony took place on November 11, 1949 for the finished Lincoln Way Viaduct

A large dedication ceremony took place on November 11, 1949 for the finished Lincoln Way Viaduct

A large dedication ceremony took place on November 11, 1949 for the finished Lincoln Way Viaduct

A large dedication ceremony took place on November 11, 1949 for the finished Lincoln Way Viaduct

Christening the Lincoln Way Viaduct

A large dedication ceremony took place on November 11, 1949 for the finished Lincoln Way Viaduct

Cherry Road Viaduct under construction, 1950

Cherry Road Viaduct under construction, 1950

Celebration, parade, and dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951

Celebration, parade, and dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951

Celebration, parade, and dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951

Celebration, parade, and dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951

Mayor Robert Weirich gives a speech at the dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951

Silent film actress Lillian Gish throws a wreath from the completed Cherry Road Viaduct as part of the dedication ceremony for the completed Flood Control Project, September 14, 1951