The Ashtabula Bridge Disaster: The Worst Train Disaster of the 19th Century 

I love hearing these stories, even though it is of the macabre and very tragic. It's our duty as human beings, to remember history, either good or bad. To have lived your life, then die in such a horrible way, and be forgotten to time, where your name is but a distant memory. That, in my opinion, is one of the saddest things. No one wants to be forgotten. That's why I love what you do, what historians and librarians do. You guys make sure that everyone not only knows the story's of what happened, years gone by, but you make sure that those passed and forgotten, are still alive in our hearts, that they still have a name. Thank you again, for taking the time to study and research these stories, so they not be forgotten.

You had my tears pouring with this one. I was a combat medic, but during my day, women weren't allowed on the front, so I trained medics and served as a paramedic for civilians, with the intention of continuing after my military career. I've seen heroics of men running into completely consumed with fires, complete strangers to the families. One man I remember clearly, after time lost part of his leg and one hand from his heroics. The media interviewed him after his hospitalization and asked him what made him risk his own life? He said he had rather died than live with hearing those screams the rest of his life. He was an amazing man. I've also seen people looting while the rescue efforts were going on. Human kind is so puzzling. What makes one man see people that need him, where others see an opportunity to steal? Great story, very painful, but such a great job that you and your family do Thank you for keeping these stories alive. So impressed with your channel. Thank you my friends.

Very sad story. I got cold chills with this one. It’s sad when adults die in an accident, but even more tragic when children die. At least the adults have had the chance to at least live some of their life. May all those that lost their lives in this terrible tragedy be resting in peace. 😢

Interestingly all these years later, they're still finding personal effects and remnants of the train on the banks and in the river.

I was born and raised in Ashtabula . Though I live in North Carolina now where I have been since the late 1980's. I spent my youth in the 1970's in Ashtabula till I joined the US Army in 1982. As a teen , myself a musician , and some teen band mates would often go to the Chestnut Grove cemetery in Ashtabula, with our guitars , and play and write music. It was a perfect , quiet , peaceful place to get away from distractions. We would often go to the Mass Grave in that cemetery where the multitude of the unidentified dead were put to rest under a large monument with the history of the tragic event engraved upon it. This tale was a great part of the history of the area and was always a point of fascination for me. You did such a great job with this mini documentary . Kudos to you for telling this story so respectfully , and professionally.

I was raised in Conneaut, Ohio during the 1960's and 70's which is 20 miles east of Ashtabula. My friends and I were fascinated with this tragic event. We spent many days and nights at the site looking for artifacts of the accident as well as ghost hunting. Local legend suggests hearing a huge crash, people crying for help as well as apparitions. We did find artifacts, but never no noises or apparitions. Thanks for this story. It brought back many memories.

There is something humbling and modest about your videos that I love - No corny editing; no cringe jokes and I could hear the rumblings of thunder in the backround - Watching these videos make me think of my father - Thank you for posting, sir - 👍

Born Ashtabula 86 , raised in conneaut to date. We have some of the most interesting history moments in all of Ohio. This one is sad. I was told this story by my Father told by his father passed down. 3 generations railroad workers and i was told many stories. This one i was told when i was young. I will never forget it. Thank you for your video. I appreciate your dedication and spot on facts about that legendary incident.

Another great video!! Heard about this incident while growing up in Madison, OH, during the 1960s-1970s but never visited the crash site. Few years ago, my sister, her friend, and I made a visit to site. Was just a humbling experience but did not notice anything other than a few annoying teenagers that happened to appear. We visited the historical marker and the cemetery as well. Hard to believe that just 6-months prior to this tragedy the Battle of the Little Big Horn was fought. 5-moths prior was the 100th Anniversary of the BIRTH of the Nation!! Also, the RU-vid Channel, THE HISTORY GUY, has an excellent video about this incident.

I love the way you include small bits of information like the song without music. You give these stories a much more personal touch.

Another great video John. Yet another event I'd never heard of until now. Thank you for the knowledge as always.

hi. newcomer here. What unimaginable horror. When you said that the ones that died first were the lucky ones, I instantly thought of the Indianapolis because after hearing of what they endured at sea, the ones that died in the initial explosion seemed a strange version of "lucky" too. I found myself wanting to reach through time and space to throttle that fire chief. Well done, CH! Great story telling. Oh! Almost forgot - subscribed. :)

Wow! I did not know that about Philip Bliss! I am a published hymn writer and I found this story quite heart wrenching. What a tragic end for one of our country’s most renowned hymn composers. Thank you for sharing this sad story with such respect for those who perished so horrifically.

What a sad story. I just came on your channel and I love it. History and the occasional ghost story. Thank you. I subscribed.

Just found your channel! I think we are kindred spirits. Nothing is better than mixing history with ghostly stories. Nicely done.

Very well done. Thanks for another great story of of a subject that looms large in our own day and age where our aging infrastructure is ignored to our own peril.

I just discovered you. I love all the history ❣️ you're a great story teller.💝

what an absolute tragedy. I don't have any doubt that the area around the bridge has residual energy from those victims.

That was a sad but traumatic day that will forever be a part of Ashtabula Ohio history and it's sad that it takes a tragic loss of life to make the travel industry put in place bridge safety inspections. I have another bridge disaster that took several lives and it's called the silver bridge collapse in the area of Point Pleasant West Virginia and you can research it for yourself.

This video is a fitting tribute to the memories of those lost. Good work.

A very sad but a very remarkable story with a very remarkable presentation. My heart and prayers goes out to all the victims and all the families, and to all who suffered from this horrible incident. May they all REST IN PEACE! Thank you, Curious History, GOD bless!

34yrs old grew up my whole life in ashtabula county never heard of the train wreck. Wow chilling story. Amazing and you did such a great job telling it. Wow.....

Thanks for yet another great video , I think this is probably the worst rail disaster in the United States that I've ever heard of . If that bridge location isn't the scene of paranormal activity then it's missing a good chance at it .

Thank you for sharing about the hymn that really touched my heart. Back in 1984 I was 17 yrs old , I had a horrible car accident at night where my car crashed through a wooden bridge and sunk in the water . By Gods grace earlier that day my air conditioner broke in my car which caused me to keep the windows rolled down . This happened in Florida on a very hot day, the car sunk into alligator infested waters . If my windows were not open it would of been my coffin. I have always felt since that day that God rescued me . The fact that his hymn survived out of the wreckage is haunting in a very beautiful chilling way.

Such an incredibly tragic story, and I could tell it was very hard for you to get through this one. But I loved that you ended this on such a positive and absolutely amazing historical piece of trivia - something I had no idea about! I won't mention what it was in case anyone should read this comment before watching. I want them to be as surprised as I was to learn something new (maybe?). You have an amazing talent of telling these stories... so much horrific tragedy, but yet you find some way to bring it around to something positive. Thank you so much! This is now the third video I've watched from your channel and I am enthusiastic to watch the next one!

My goodness… That leaves a person speechless. The grim sorrow can be felt there even today, yet with a hushed calm that has now embraced those souls lost in this tragedy. The tears just don’t cease… I Will Sing Of My Redeemer, that song is ringing forth in Heaven with jubilant voices of those who made it to the other side of the Pearly Gates. Thank you for sharing this. God bless those souls.

so glad I have found your channel. you truly do a professional job on your research and delivery. please keep up the great work. I look forward to more of your videos.

A very sobering story, and you tell it so well. Many thanks:-)

Going back to look for videos I've missed. This story is awesome but tragic. I just have a love for bridges and trains. Thanks for showing.

This reminds me of Quintinshill, the worst ever railroad disaster in the UK. Same thing - wooden cars, gas lights - terrible fire and that was it. It happened in 1915. Over 200 deaths. I found this channel today, absolutely amazing - very well presented!

Thank you. I had never heard of this, and despite it's sad content, it is very good to make sure these stories are not passed into obscurity.

Horrific and incredibly sad.

Horrifying and incredibly sad. The narrator was human and not some cold robotic voice. Thank you Sir .

Great video, I very much enjoyed it! Ive read a great deal on this disaster, and have visited the site of the crash on multiple occasions as well as the cemetery a few blocks away containing the mass grave of those who could not be identified. I found it ironic that the mass grave, and Collins tomb are within sight of one another, and that the hospital that exists today is literally just up the hill from the disaster site. Thank you for the video, liked and subscribed, and looking forward to watching more of your videos.

Some of these are hard to get through. I can tell it is for you too at certain points. Hearing about it is one thing. Seeing the human aspect like the personal belongings that were recovered drives it home hard. Was there anyone at all who survived that?

I love these smaller, less well known but somehow more engaging pieces of history. And since my name has the same initials as the channel, and the contents are something I enjoy, of course I had to subscribe.

So sad. I can imagine what those people went through.

Every time I hear Ashtabula I think of Bob McGuire singing “she was doing the hoola”.

That is the saddest story I think I've ever heard. I can't imagine how horrible that would be to witness such a horrific tragedy. I love hearing history and you are a great story teller. I'm going to have to subscribe because your history stories are so good.

Nicely done, Sir. Look forward to more...

This one brought a tear to my eye...💗🇨🇦

If I could give this video here another four more 👍's I would! How wonderfully told. You did a phenomenal job. This was truly very tragic.

Very well done. Hard to imagine what those poor people went through. Reminds me a little of the Johnstown Flood. Thanks.

Chilling!!! .. your story telling draws one in as if taken back in time.

Wow, that's pretty heart wrenching.

Thank you for making this valuable journey into the history and last moments of life of Phillip and Lucy Bliss ❤ Greetings from Poland 🕊️

Hi John, a very tragic piece of history, I cannot fathom what those people went through, those that died instantly were spared the horror that befell the rest. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx ❤

You are an amazing story teller. Thank you for sharing these events. Good or bad, it's history that all should hear.

There is also legend there was a car full of silver on that train that went missing.

This is an amazing video. You just gained a new subscriber. ❤

Excellent, touching video. I’m a historian and I’m very impressed.

Wow! I had no idea about the details of this! Thank you for your videos!

This story broke my heart completely.

This is a very important video. A real contribution.

I just wanted to say that the way you tell these stories is as if you’re breathing life into them. It’s quite beautiful, thank you for releasing all these videos.

You’re covering history I NEVER learned in school or otherwise! Thank you for keeping these stories alive and bringing them to the public! 💙 don’t mind me I’m just going on a binge 🥰 That’s horrifying. Do we know how hot the flames got?

Great video once again John. Love your storytelling and your research is BEYOND reproach! Thanks for making and sharing with us the history of Ohio...although not always a delightful part of history, nonetheless something that needs to be told.

I want to thank you so much for sharing this.

very tragic indeed thank you.

A remarkable story. Thank you.

I’m new to your channel and you’ve definitely earned my sub and support. This is, by far, the best one I’ve watched! Best wishes for much success!

this is horrific beyond words

Damn. That's horrific. I can't imagine the pain they all felt. RIP to them all.

Very well done. Thank you.

Love it, subbed! Keep chugging away at the channel, sir. You're producing fascinating, superb content. 👍😎👌

I enjoy these stories all about the history for this

Hi John, and Happy Father's Day. What another sad, tragic tale of those on the train. Did it say in your research wheather or not the first engine made it without plunging into the water? I cannot image the fear those people felt as the cars tumbled off the bridge. It sounded like in your story that a main support gave way, (broke), or someone (?) had perhaps sabotaged the bridge? I hope those who were still alive 'went quickly' to meet the Lord before the fire or the water got to them. What an awful way to perish. I hope a memorial was set-up somewhere to help those whom come after us, to remind them of this fateful night. Thank you for all you do, and stay safe, and God bless you all in your travels. Looking forward to the next episode. Take care!

Excellent video. My Great Grandfather and Grandfather worked for the RR in Michigan. Great Gramps is pretty much unknown to me but he would have known of this wreck having worked during the late 19th century. My Grandfather started working for the Michigan Central in Bay City in 1916 and ended in Kalamazoo in 1961. I remember him telling me of some of the wrecks he had to work the clean ups. Actually got to go to one and was amazed at how tore up a train can get when it jumps the rails. I'm amazed that this train was even trying to move through a lake effected blizzard, but the answer is the same as always...MONEY.

Such a sad tragic story. Thank you, you told the of the people and the accident very appropriately, well done.

great job love the knowledge

thnaks for a fantastic episode sent goosebumps up my spine the whole episode with such a touching heartfelt story

Awesome story👍 Thank you.

Great video sir, I found you on accident and I’m glad I did , I love history

Another wonderful video. Thanks

This is terrifying! I don't know how it could get any worse.. thank you for sharing

Wow, amazing video and so sad for the victims. I love the dedication you put into your videos and the history of it too.

Wow! Just wow. I appreciate the effort you put into these docu-stories. I’m so happy that your channel popped up in my feed yesterday. I find your style of presentation right down my alley; your speaking style is often ballad like.

I loved watching the trains as a youngster in the 50's. I wonder if anyone had a premonition of this and decided not to travel

I am really enjoying your channel. I love Ohio history.

Absolutely obsessed with your account

What a great video. I knew of the bridge disaster. The human element was touching. I had no idea that the Ashtabula library owns artifacts obtained from the wreckage.

Thanks!

Hello, love your work. I work for Praxair which has a location in Ashtabula which I have been to a handful of times, and I bartend on the weekend at Pearl St Brewery in Buffalo, NY (where I live) on the weekends, and we have a beer called Trainwreck named after this event.....greatly appreciate the story!

I really like your videos!

I believe that Phillip Bliss also wrote “It is Well With My Soul” when his daughters were killed on the Lusitania.

Cool, love this stuff 🇦🇺

An absolutely terrible tragedy. It is so very obvious that this story was hard for you to recount and I can understand why. I just wonder why no one thought to just stop at a earlier railroad station? It's like they thought the trains were able to handle any conditions! It's like another true story of a nice warn day in late fall that ended up in white out conditions. The temperature dropped so fast that cattle froze standing up because the air froze their lungs. Children were at schools not dressed warm enough and were trapped. Some froze to death when the fire wood ran out, the desks and chairs were burned too. A train was locked into the deep drifts with passengers on board. It had to be dug out from above! Frostbite took it's toll too. Near Guelph, Ontario, Canada on a stretch of highway infamous for dense fogs, a massive multicar pile up occurred. Multiple deaths and injuries. A young teenaged girl was pinned and rescuers and bystanders worked frantically to save her as fire started ripping through the pile up. Many refused to leave as the flames reached her so she would not die alone. This still hurts my soul. I've been caught on highway 81 in NY state in 1984 in blizzard/white out conditions. Many people (including my then young family) spent three nights in a firehall in a little town, only emerging after six feet of snow. The town residents took very good care of us. Not an experience I'd wish on any one. Oh and I experienced the East Coast blizzard of 1977, that was five feet of snow. A ship called the Hope went down off Salem Harbor with all hands on board lost I believe.

Very interesting the name Ashtabula catch my eye used to stop there going to and from fingerlakes region but but never heard that story before

your welcome, still watching

Well done always

We're in astabula for a Buck ride and visited the museum. Very sad but interesting

Tragic and sad.

This train roams around the world now

How sad! Terrible disaster. Thanks for sharing . Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s Love and miss mine…….

Wow this is the first time I've heard of this story so sad

Wow to say what a horrible way to die isn't a big enough statement I can't imagine how much was going on at that moment in these unfortunate people who have no idea what is coming sounds like the engineer did all he could I believe that one of these locomotive engines are at the Henry Ford museum in Greenfield village in Dearborn Michigan under tragedies of the 20th century I think that's the name of the exhibit as always thank you for your time and effort in making this video I enjoyed it and certainly do appreciate it with each video I have watched I have definitely learn something new that I otherwise did not know

Hopefully you will do a story on Amherst Ohio 1916 train wreck. It involved 3 trains I believe 2 trains were the New York Central 20th Century Limited

Since the amtrack crashed on the bridge,with one pair of railtrack, I refused to travel by train. I remembered fishermen pulled 48 dead bodies from the water witch was infected by alligators, fog, mist,

This one brought me to tears

Very interesting and told well.