Post Reports What happened at Camp Mystic
Jul 17, 2025
Annie Gowen, a Washington Post correspondent, shares her insights on the tragic events at Camp Mystic during a deadly flood that claimed 27 lives. She discusses the camp's unique charm and its dangerous location at the confluence of two rivers, revealing the challenges staff faced in a chaotic evacuation. The conversation touches on the historical significance of floods in the area and the community’s heartwarming response in the aftermath, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in camps.
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Camp Mystic’s Beloved Isolation
- Camp Mystic was founded in the 1920s and cherished by generations of Texas women.
- Its isolation and lack of cell phones made the camp special but also vulnerable during emergencies.
Camp’s Risky Flood Location
- Camp Mystic sits at the confluence of two waterways in a high-risk flood zone.
- FEMA granted exemptions to some cabins, raising questions about how flood risks were managed.
Camp Director’s Fatal Rescue
- The Eastland family stayed at Camp Mystic for generations and faced rising floodwaters on July 4th.
- Dick Eastland, the camp director, died trying to rescue youngest campers caught in a swirling flood near the river cabins.