May 27, 1771
The "Great Fresh" Hits the Virginia Tidewater
Torrential rainstorms in the Blue Ridge Mountains result in unprecedented flooding that wipes out crops, buildings, and kills approximately 150 people from the Piedmont through the Tidewater. On May 27, a ship's captain near Richmond records the James River as 40-feet higher than normal. The Virginia assembly meets in July to assess the damage and provide emergency relief to victims.
