Old Vermillion

Old Vermillion. . Early Vermillion settlers built their homes and businesses below the bluff. The town was susceptible to flooding from the Missouri River, which at that time ran next to the bluff., The winter of 1880 started early and did not subside until an early thaw rapidly melted the ice on the Missouri River. Ice gorges formed, and in late March they collapsed, pouring ice and water all over the plain and through the streets of Vermillion. A blizzard in early April, coupled with the ever-rising water, complicated rescue work. The flood demolished 132 buildings, carrying many of them downriver., Vermillion was almost completely washed away by the Missouri and the Vermillion River, which at its highest point swelled to Missouri-like proportions. Before the flood, the Missouri ran right along the Vermillion bluffs. During the flood, the river cut through a neck of land stretching out from Nebraska, eliminating a bend several miles long. The course of the river finally straightened and settled into a new course three miles south of town near the Nebraska bluffs. The Vermillion River swiftly flowed down the old bed., Caption: , Right: chunks of ice flowed into town during the flood. , Upper right: debris litters downtown streets. , Lower right: snow blankets the city of Vermillion and the Missouri River c. 1870.