The Passaic Flood of 1903

"The Passaic Flood of 1903" by Marshall Ora Leighton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of a devastating flood that occurred in the Passaic River Basin, detailing its causes, effects, and the necessary preventive measures for future incidents. It focuses on the significant rainfall that triggered the flood, the resultant damages across various localities, notably in Paterson, and the river's capacity challenges during such natural disasters. The opening of the work sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the flood's impact, introducing the key themes of hydrology and civil engineering related to flood management. It mentions the historical context of previous floods, specifically that of 1902, and underscores the extraordinary rainfall experienced in southern New Jersey prior to the 1903 event. The text begins by outlining the scale and duration of the flood, citing crucial details such as the unprecedented volume of water flowing through critical points like the Dundee dam, and hints at extensive evaluations of damage estimates and remedial strategies that will follow in subsequent chapters.