Community Corner

Capitola News, 131 Years Ago Today: Flood Wipes Out Town...Maybe

It turns out the floods of March, 2011 may not have been the first of their kind.

Did you know that the that wreaked havoc on were not the first to threaten such damage?

Way back in 1881, on this date (Jan. 30), the Sacramento Daily Union reported a a storm that caused a flood of similar magnitude in its Vol. 12 No. 139. That night, they downgraded the reported severity of the flood. 

Anyone with good historical knowledge of Capitola know what really happened that January day?

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

See the full article on the flood below.

It is reported here that Camp Capitola at the mouth of Soquel creek, four miles from here, is a thing of the past, all the buildings, bath-houses, etc., having been washed out to sea, and but four cottages remain those being high up on a side hill. The work of devastation was complete. Through the untiring efforts of our citizens the upper bridge across the San Lorenzo has been saved so far, and has been closed up for travel, being unsafe, having settled in the center nearly two feet. The San Lorenzo is now falling. The wind is still indicative of more rain.

Update 6 p.m.— Damage done at Camp Capitola is not as serious as reported, being little or nothing. It is said the damage caused to the powder works property will approximate thousands of dollars to repair. Considerable damage was done to the property.

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So which was it: The whole town "washed out to sea," or was "little to nothing" more accurate? If you've got a clue, tell us in the comments. 


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