Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Mississippi River
Photographed by Ken Smith, May 24, 2009
1. The Mississippi River Marker
Until the Civil War, Cape Girardeau thrived as a river port for the district. It shipped out furs, pork and beef products, cotton, grain and lumber, and tools, and entertainment by the showboat and races on the river.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 18.283′ N, 89° 31.058′ W. Marker is in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. It is at the intersection of Water Street and Themis Street, on the right when traveling north on Water Street. This marker is at the flood gate, on the left side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Girardeau MO 63701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named 1880 (a few steps from this marker); Justice for the Common Man (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named 1875 (a few steps from this marker); Filburn & Sloan Commission House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named 1909
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. 1880 (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1875 (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1909 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1870 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1916 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1863 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Ken Smith, May 24, 2009
2. The Mississippi River flood gate
Marker is at left of flood gate, at ground level, facing the street
Photographed by Ken Smith, May 24, 2009
3. The Mississippi River Marker
Photographed by Ken Smith, May 24, 2009
4. The Mississippi River Marker
At Marker looking west on Themis Street at City Hall Park.
Photographed by Mark Parker, April 19, 2021
5. The Mississippi River looking south towards the Emerson Bridge in Cape Girardeau
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 963 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 29, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. 5. submitted on March 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
