Clearing the stone railroad bridge took considerable work. This view is looking upriver. Notice the temporary bridge at the left edge of the photo.

Relief workers cleared and repaired the railroad tracks on top of the stone bridge as quickly as possible. Here, railcars with supplies are visible on the bridge.

Another photo of the railcars on the stone bridge. Notice the amount of debris that is still visible and consider the amount of work necessary to open the four arches that are cleared.

The rails were repaired as quickly as possible. Survivors were in desperate need of supplies. In the background on the left, several rows of white tents are visible on the hillside.

Relief workers are seen here clearing debris from the stone bridge.

The amount of destruction still amazed people long after the relief efforts had begun.

The Johnstown Flood of 1889 was the first large scale relief effort for the fledgling Red Cross. This photo is of the infirmary they set up in the Conemaugh Valley.

The Red Cross warehouse is flying the now well-recognized flag. This photo also shows where telegraph lines have been restrung to restore communications to the valley.

This photo of Red Cross workers and volunteers includes a "Help Wanted" ad in the background. On the building behind them on the right, it reads "Wanted 40 Men."

The Red Cross contructed this hotel to provide lodging and shelter for the flood survivors.

Johnstown became a community of tents as survivors and relief workers began to reclaim the town.

Inside the Red Cross warehouse, relief supplies were stored for distribution to survivors. These supplies were vital to the survival of the town and its population.

The resilience of survivors was amazing. Families that chose to stay in the area started their lives over with whatever they had at the time.