Hurricane Camille was one of the worst natural disasters in Virginia's history when it hit the U.S. mainland on August 19, 1969. Nelson County, Virginia, was particularly affected by the storm's flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
Flooding
The storm caused creeks and rivers to swell several feet above their banks, trapping residents as they slept. In some areas, 25-31 inches of rain fell in a five-hour period. The force of the water stripped off clothes and wedding rings, and the dead either drowned or suffered blunt force trauma from debris.
Landslides
The storm's wind and water caused 400-million-year-old mountains to lose their hold, sending millions of tons of topsoil, trees, mud, and rock down the slopes. The landslides reshaped the landscape and carried along houses, barns, stores, animals, and people. Some say the roar of the landslides sounded like continual dynamite explosions.
Other Damage
The storm also destroyed over 100 bridges and railways, 900 buildings, and uprooted apple and peach orchards and crops.
In total, 124 people died in Nelson County, which was one percent of the county's 12,000 residents. The storm also caused $116 million in damages across Virginia and led to the creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Camille Resource Center at Oakland Museum tells the story of Hurricane Camille, the second most powerful hurricane to make landfall in the United States. Through the use of documentaries, listening stations with interviews from survivors, and displays showing the areas impacted and the stories of heroism and survival, the story of Camille's effect on Nelson County is told. The Center's database includes hundred of photographs, videos, newspaper articles, and publications related to the storm and its impact on Nelson County.
New technology is allowing us to share our collection of photos, interviews and videos about Hurricane Camille on a large screen display. Visitors may view a short ten-minute video highlighting Hurricane Camille and its impact on Nelson County or delve into studying various aspects of the storm from survivor stories, maps, meterological/geological aspects, or specific communities. Books with newspaper clippings from the days following the storm are also available for perusing.
The Nelson County Community Fund, the Smyth Foundation, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and private donors funded the development of the Camille Resource Center.
Hurricane Camille Points of Interest
