Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Great River Floods

Photographed By Jason Voigt, May 9, 2021

1. Great River Floods Marker

Inscription.
Throughout history, Mississippi River floods have been a part of the natural cycle of life along the great river. During each flood, residents have worked to lessen damage, and have slowly rebuilt their towns, their farms, and their lives. Today, a modern system of levees and dams on tributary rivers helps reduce flood damage, our large Mississippi River flood can never be fully controlled.

"This present flood of 1882 will doubtless be celebrated in the river's history. [W]hen the flood was at its highest, the Mississippi was seventy miles wide!… The crops were destroyed, houses washed away, and shelterless men and cattle forced to take refuge on scattering elevations… and wait in peril and suffering…"
—Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

[Caption]
In September 2008, the Mississippi River reaches flood stage at St. Louis after rising a record 14 feet in 24 hours.

Erected by US Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District; City of Alton, Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2008.

Location. 38° 53.149′ N, 90° 10.894′ W. Marker is

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in Alton, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is on Riverfront Drive west of Boat Launch Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Riverfront Dr, Alton IL 62002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Changing Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Alton and the Flood of '93 (within shouting distance of this marker); Smallpox Island (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Duel That Never Happened (about 400 feet away); Ryder Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Discover History All Around Alton (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln-Douglas Debates! (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alton (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, May 9, 2021

2. Great River Floods Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.