The Lawrence area was on the eve of the observance of the record flood of July 13, 1951, when the Kansas River crested at 30.42 feet (18.0 was flood stage), and millions of dollars in damage occurred here and elsewhere in the river valley. Thousands of people were affected but no deaths in the Lawrence area were directly attributed to the deluge. Experts pointed out that the flood of 1951 had been so intense that some sections of the Kaw River actually had been rerouted. North Lawrence in particular could point out course changes.