American Red Cross (ARC) arrives in Johnstown, Clara Barton National Historic Park, 1889.

Just give days after the devastating flood in Johnstown, PA, the American Red Cross (ARC), led by Clara Barton, arrived. The nation was captivated by the event and aid for the survivors came from all over the country, with ARC leading the way in providing that aid as well as organizing the overall relief effort. This was ARC's first major natural disastor relief effort and was a pivotal moment in its history. Until this event, few people knew about ARC or how vital it could be. Because all eyes were on Johnstown, this would be ARC's make-it or break-it moment. If they failed, their popularity would disappear, making them unable to fulfill their mission to help others. Thankfully, it was their shining moment and solidified ARC's place in history and society through their work aiding the survivors of the Johnstown flood.