the mighty Mississip

In 1814 we took a little trip
Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip.
We took a little bacon an' we took a little beans
And we caught the bloody British at the town of New Orleans.

For about the last year, I've lived in a river town.
A Mississippi river town, to be exact.

The river provides for the city.
The tourist industry is strong in this area.  River cruises, lodging and attractions showcasing the river or the beautiful river-created valley and bluffs, river-themed events.
Industries of other kinds thrive along the river.  Transporting goods up and down river by boat was a norm and necessity when America was younger.  Now, trains are a constant, rumbling along the endless shoreline.

History is shaped by the river.
From early settlers to fur trading, the only battle of the War of 1812 fought on Wisconsin soil to the industrial revolution, the Mississippi has played a major role in the legacy of this area and the country as a whole.

Sometimes the river floods.  
Yes, it causes problems, damage, inconveniences, and even danger, but
it's a way of life here.
Some historic buildings are now elevated on stilts or have been re-positioned.  Others that have stood the test of time were built on hills, and for good reason.  People don't complain about the flooding, they adjust.  Flood waters don't stop things from happening.  Folks still go fishing.  Events get relocated or rescheduled.
There's a certain resiliency, down here along the river.

These are some pictures I took of the flooding along the river on St. Feriole Island.  Though the flooding itself never really impacted me directly, I found it fascinating to see and imagine what a force of nature the Mississippi is and how much of an impact it makes.

The waters have gone down now from the 17+ feet I saw them at when I first took these pictures.

Still, the great river maintains its presence,
constantly flowing,
always on the move,
forever streaming with stories, power, and beauty.