A short-lived but violent rainstorm in the national capital caused quite severe damage to the White House when blocked gutters brought rainwater into several rooms in the West Wing, reportedly to the depth of two feet in some. One ceiling also came down but swift efforts from staff closed off the East Room and the damage was limited. President Johnson left the next morning on a pleasure day trip down the Potomac. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"Dispatches to the Associated Press," New York Times, July 31, 1865, p.1.
Record Data
Date Certainty
Exact
Type
Crime/Disasters
