Chapter 3, The Day the Dam Broke Summary and Analysis

In 1913, panicky residents of Columbus, OH, flee eastward to escape drowning, believing that the dam has broken. West of High St. is under water, like most of Ohio that spring, but the East Side, where the panic spreads, is beyond danger. It is business as usual on High St. until someone for some innocent reason starts running, is joined by someone else, and then by many others. When finally someone utters "dam[n]," a cry goes up that panics 2,000. People drop everything and stream eastward. Few people take the time to start their cars (hand-cranking is time-consuming). When Grandfather believes it is a Rebel invasion, he is knocked unconscious and lugged away, but comes to in time to rally the mob.

An Army officer and militiamen trying to calm the situation...