05/22/2025
Remembering the Great Flood of 1951 in Hays, Kansas
Today marks 74 years since Hays experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters. On May 22, 1951, after 11 inches of rain fell in just two hours, Big Creek overflowed, flooding much of the city—including the Fort Hays State University campus—to a depth of four feet in many areas. The flood tragically claimed six lives, including that of Dr. Charles F. Wiest, a professor at the university, and his seven-year-old daughter. Their home collapsed under the weight of the water while Dr. Wiest was attempting to save his prized texts in the basement.
With no warning sirens in place, two police officers drove through the flooded streets, blaring their sirens and shouting for residents to evacuate. Their efforts are credited with saving many lives during the crisis.
The flood caused widespread damage, destroying records at the university and forcing the cancellation of the scheduled graduation ceremony. The flood caused $2.5 Million in damages and was the driving force in constructing the levee in 1952. The $2.5 Million in 1951 is equivalent to $31 Million in 2025.
The Tiger Media Network interview of Jeremy Gill, Hays Public Library Kansas Room Coordinator, gives more information about the events that happened. Here is a link to the interview. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT-6kPtmMVk
As always more information can be found on our website https://www.haysusa.com/775/Floodplain-Management FEMA brochures are in both English and Spanish.
A tributary of the Smoky Hill river, Big Creek runs through the campus of Fort Hays State University. On the night of May 22nd, 1951, it was the source of ex...
