The flood that rewrote the rules
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 inundated an enormous area and led directly to the Flood Control Act of 1928 and federal responsibility for the river.
The 1927 WaterSection 2 of 5
The flood that changed federal policy
1927, the levees, and the Corps.
Holding a river that wants to move
The levee and floodway system constrains a river that historically changed course, and the engineering choices are still argued about.
The 1927 Water
Who is responsible for the river
The Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission hold the mandate, and their structures define what the Delta can be used for.
The 1927 Water
The other river, and the drainage
The Yazoo drains the eastern side of the plain and the pumping and drainage schemes on it have been contested for decades.
The 1927 WaterEverything in this section
- The flood that rewrote the rulesThe Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 inundated an enormous area and led directly to the Flood Control Act of 1928 and federal responsibility for the river.
- Holding a river that wants to moveThe levee and floodway system constrains a river that historically changed course, and the engineering choices are still argued about.
- Who is responsible for the riverThe Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission hold the mandate, and their structures define what the Delta can be used for.
- The other river, and the drainageThe Yazoo drains the eastern side of the plain and the pumping and drainage schemes on it have been contested for decades.