When you think of Austin, you probably picture shimmering waters full of kayakers surrounded by shady hiking trails. The Colorado River has become the focal point of the city, and it’s hard to imagine it being anything but a place of peace and tranquility. But more than 100 years ago, it was a source of wild mayhem. In 1869, a great flood swept through Austin and changed the city forever.

Austin's biggest flood on record wreaked havoc across Central Texas.
John M. P. Knox/Flickr
In July 1869, water levels reached 51 feet above sea level. The waters spread all across Austin and into Bastrop and La Grange.
John M. P. Knox/Flickr
Austinites fled for their lives. Many were forced to stay on rooftops to escape the gushing waters.
Evan Bench/Flickr

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The devastation forced city officials to reroute the railroads. That way, future generations wouldn't be as heavily impacted by a deluge.
Jeremy Hill/Flickr
This isn't the only horrendous natural disaster to sweep through the area. In 1900, the Austin dam broke and flooded the entire city. Several people lost their lives, and the damage was severe.
Wikimedia Commons
If you want to learn more about this nightmare, read our feature article here.
Thankfully, our view of The Colorado River mostly looks like this.
Jack Wickes/Flickr

Austin has a rich history. These 10 then-and-now photos show just how much this city has changed.

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