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Saturday, April 27, 2013

X for A-Z Challenge

X-Xenia, Ohio

 
The name Xenia (ZEENya) comes form the Greek word Xenia which means "hospitality". In the years before the Civil War many of those who lived here supported the Underground Railroad that helped runaway slaves escape. They risked imprisonment and even death if they were caught.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 There is some pretty area's here but sadly it's claim to fame is the history of weather-related disasters. In 1886 a large portion of the town was destroyed by massive flooding
and at least 22 people were killed but in 1974 Xenia was one 148 tornadoes that hit 13 US states known as the "Super Outbreak" It was in the path that covered 900 square miles and a length of 2,600 miles.
 
 Before and after

 
 
 
 
 
 Before and after
 
 
 
The remains of the Jeep Wrangler factory.....
 
 
 
34 people were killed and more than 10,000 were left homeless. It was one of the most intense storms recorded.
 
The town was hit again with a tornado in 1989 and in 2000 but with less damage.....I guess this is one of those area that is in the "tornado alley".

They refuse to give up and have rebuilt though it all and in fact the Jeep Wranglers
are exported to over 90 countries across the globe and this plant employs 2,500 workers and produces 360 wranglers per shift!

Happy Trails (in a Wrangler)
 
 

5 comments:

Granny Annie said...

Picher, Oklahoma was a town in the process of closing due to sinkholes when a tornado hit and that closing was complete. A couple of years ago Joplin, MO looked like the photos of Xenia, Ohio as did Tulsa, OK in 1974. Tornado damage is unbelievable to view. Yet even though we live in Tornado Alley, I fear earthquakes more.

Nancy said...

Tornado Alley would be a frightening place to live.

Lady Di Tn said...

Almost done and I may never get to any of these places but I sure have enjoyed your tours. Thanks and have a great weekend. Peace

Unknown said...

What a terrifying place to live, and it's amazing that people can spring back from the disasters that occur and get on with life, I'd be out and gone straight away personally!

By the way, I've nominated you for the Versatile Award (:
http://missisgoode.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-v.html

Chatty Crone said...

My grandson did a huge research project on Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad! sanide