Flood Control and Navigation Maps of the Mississippi River Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico

Mid-century improvements along the Mississippi River by the Army Corps of Engineers.

This incredible collection of Mississippi River maps and charts reflects the immense 20th century efforts of the Army Corps of Engineer Mississippi River Commission to maintain the vital waterway. The first levee had been built by the French in 1717, and since that time incalculable manpower had been expended to try and control the flow of water, and, by extension, commerce and military security.

The volume provides a detailed overview of the river between its juncture with the Ohio, near Cairo, and the Gulf of Mexico. Navigational aids are identified with bright red overprinting throughout, in addition to prominent geographic features and relevant infrastructure. Maintaining the Mighty Mississippi requires constant attention. This annual volume was published in 1955 and reflects the recent completion of the navigable 9 ft. channel, the start of Old River control structures, and the building of extensive levees to protect Mississippi Valley residents from flooding. Such efforts were validated on the final page, which shows total tonnage for 1954 exceeding all years from the previous decade.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers