The 1997
Flood in
Grand Forks
North Dakota

East Grand Forks. Photo: Mary Ann Draves

On Friday, April 18, 1997, the Red River poured over the dikes into the Lincoln Drive neighborhood of Grand Forks. By the end of the next day, Saturday, April 19, floodwaters had spread over large areas of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, 60,000 people were out of their homes, and downtown Grand Forks was burning. The downtown fire would destroy or damage eleven buildings on three blocks, including the offices of the Grand Forks Herald newspaper. But the Herald never missed a day of publication, despite having no offices or presses.

Many residents were away from their homes for a week or more, before the floodwaters receded enough for them to reach their homes and see the damage. Almost every home in East Grand Forks, and most homes in Grand Forks had flood damage. Residents considered themselves "fortunate" if only their basement was flooded. Many residents lost their house, car, and everything else they own, and now must start over. Some neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Drive in Grand Forks and Sherlock Park in East Grand Forks, will never be rebuilt.

Thousands of volunteers came to Grand Forks and East Grand Forks to help clean up and rebuild. One of them created this web site. Many others donated money and supplies to help rebuild. The people of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are very thankful for all the help they have received.