Flood of
1948
The Miracle Mile Dike
In Richland, men worked around the clock to
build a mile-long dike, 12 feet tall by 10 feet wide, around
downtown Richland. The dike, made of gravel, sand, and
riprap, became known as the Miracle Mile since it was
built so fast and in such a spirit of cooperation among diverse
government and business groups. The dike kept residential areas and
the hospital district high and dry and saved the sewer system from
contamination.
Water over Highway 410 barred residents from
easy access between Richland and Kennewick. To pass from one town
to another it was necessary to drive a circuitous route through
Benton City, a one-way trip of about 22 miles in contrast
to the usual two-mile trip. Even that route was blocked
for several days when the Yakima River overflowed its banks
and covered Van Giesen Street, the main road to Benton
City.
Today we enjoy this dike as a way to
recreate. Little did these men know that their hard work would help
us enjoy our beautiful Richland parks.