The Great Flood of 1916 was the worst natural disaster to hit Western North Carolina in history. It killed countless people, destroyed thousands of homes and caused hundreds of mudslides. But it also was a time when the community came together to take care of each other. More than a moment in history, its also an opportunity to learn that in a flood and mudslide-prone area, communities need to protect themselves, the next time the mountains come crashing down upon us once again.