Storm Left Trail of Death

An epidemic of storms and tornadoes sweeps through the south leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, and claiming a multitude of deaths.

An epidemic of cyclones and tornadoes, the like of which has not been known for many years, swept through the south, leaving in their wake scores of the dead and mangled bodies and the dismantled wrecks o property worth many millions. The state of Tennessee was an especially heavy sufferer. Careful estimates indicate that at least fifty people were killed in the Volunteer state alone, while the loss in dollars and cents will not fall short of a million. At Fayetteville, Franklin and Hillsboro there was a loss of life. The latter town is said to be practically destroyed, while at Centerville and adjoining villages the damage is reported very heavy in both lives and property. Near Pulaski, in Giles County, the death list reached twelve, and many were injured. At Cuba many houses were blown down, and at Gilestown not even a shed was left standing. No fatalities were reported from either place, but information is very meager. At Horn Lake, Miss., half a dozen lives were lost, and the property damage was very heavy. From neighboring towns come tales of men, women and children killed and homes wrecked. The tornado swept over into Arkansas and killed eight persons near Monmouth Springs, besides wrecking a score of buildings. Other points in Arkansas report heavy loss.

“Storm Left Trail of Death,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 25, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1881.