Jacob Hamblin — Preservation during the Great Santa Clara Flood

In early 1862, a catastrophic flood struck the Santa Clara settlement, completely destroying the fort and the stone homes of the pioneers. Jacob Hamblin and his family were forced to flee their residence as the waters of the Santa Clara River rose with unprecedented speed and violence. While their home and nearly all their earthly possessions were swept away by the torrent, the entire family was preserved from harm. Hamblin viewed their survival as a remarkable providence, as the flood was so sudden and powerful that it permanently altered the landscape and destroyed the infrastructure of the Cotton Mission's early headquarters.