The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 was a pivotal event as floods of this size had not occurred in America in modern times. The flood, which began in April and lasted until mid-August, affected seven states and stretched almost 800 miles. This natural disaster left thousands of people living in extreme poverty before and after the flood’s passing. In addition to poverty, tens of thousands of people were displaced from their homes, and the U.S Governor declared martial law in the area.
Although it is difficult to determine the exact amount of rain that was associated with the Mississippi River Flood of 1927, there is a consensus that it was substantial. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), some areas of the Mississippi Basin reported up to twenty inches of precipitation in the two months before the flood. This is considered a record amount for the region and is evidence of the intensity of the flood.
The vast amount of rain associated with the flood resulted in the swelling of the Mississippi River beyond its flood control capacity. This overflow into area towns and communities positioned along the river created unprecedented destruction. Along with the USGS, NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that the flooding was caused by a storm pattern that dropped heavier than average rain across the area and combined with an eventual overflow from the river.
The region that was damaged the most by the 1927 flood was the lower Delta region which includes the Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi State. This area is known to have some of the poorest conditions in the United States due to its history of mass displacement of African American populations. This was especially true during the flood, as many of the poor communities living in the Delta region did not have the resources or infrastructure to evacuating or to rebuild their homes afterwards.
In response to the destruction and displacement caused by the Mississippi River Flood of 1927, the government and local citizens collaborated to find new solutions. The initiative that had the most success in the long run was the passage of the “Flood Control Act of 1928”. This measure aimed to ensure that the river would no longer overflow its banks and cause destruction. This act also introduced improved flood warning systems and levee systems in order to protect the citizens from future floods.
Long-Term Effects of The Flood
The most immediate effects of the 1927 Mississippi River flood were displacement, destruction, and economic hardship for the thousands of people who called the region home. The long-term effects of the flood were far-reaching and persistent. Many of the poorer citizens were unable to rebuild or relocate, leaving them destitute and living in squalid conditions.
The effects of the flood on economics were also substantial. The destruction created a significant rise in unemployment, inflation, and decreased wages. For example, according to the USGS, in some communities wages decreased by roughly 18%. Moreover, the destruction and displacement of the African American population in the region limited their access to employment opportunities, leading to an increased reliance on the work of sharecroppers, which was characterized by below-minimum wages and few freedoms.
The destruction and displacement of the African American populations did have some significant positive effects. There was an increase in black labor unions in the region, and the destruction of substandard housing provided an opportunity for African Americans protected by the Civil Rights Movement to finally be able to move out of their former segregated homes into higher-quality neighborhoods.
Finally, the 1927 flood also drastically impacted the Mississippi River itself. The River was made to be much wider in order to prevent a similar incident in the future. This created a much larger river with faster currents and more destructive power than had existed before the flood.
Dynamics of the Flood.
The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 was a devastating event both in the short-term and long-term. It created a need for a drastic overhaul of the river’s infrastructure, from improved flood warning systems and the addition of levee systems to the widening of the river for increased water flow capacity. This overhaul changed the River’s dynamics with impacted the environment, the people, and the economy of the region.
The environment changes created by the flooding allowed for different types of plants and animals to take up residence in the area as the River’s hydrology changed. This created new habitats for different species and revitalized the River’s natural surroundings. The changes to the Mississippi River’s ecosystem during and after the flood provided new sources of food and shelter for fish, birds, amphibians, and other animals.
The dynamics of the River changed the lives of those living near the riverside towns. Fishermen, people whose livelihoods had traditionally relied on the River, now faced a new problem: they had to adjust to the new dynamic created by the flooding. This meant that they had to adjust their equipment, technique, and knowledge, in order to adapt to the new environment.
The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 had a long-term economic effect on the region as well. The destruction of homes and businesses may have created employment for the hundreds of people who worked in the repair and rebuilding, but it also disrupted pre-existing markets and businesses, causing an economic decline in the area.
Humanitarian Responses
The sheer magnitude of the Mississippi River Flood of 1927 created a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced from their homes and did not have the means or resources to rebuild or relocate. As a result, the United States and other nations provided much-needed aid and support in the form of food, aid, supplies, and financial assistance.
In total, the United States provided over $6 million in aid, while other countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Venezuela also provided aid and supplies. In addition to monetary donations, the Red Cross provided thousands of family relief kits to help displaced individuals start to rebuild their lives.
In addition to offering immediate aid, the Red Cross and other organizations also provided extensive help in helping the affected individuals and communities transition back into society. This included providing education and job training. In total, the Red Cross provided $15 million in aid and financial assistance to individuals who were impacted by the Mississippi River Flood of 1927.
The international response to the disaster was also substantial. Other nations such as the United Kingdom provided both financial aid and practical assistance such as food, medical supplies, and transportation. This global humanitarian response to the crisis is perhaps one of its most enduring legacies.
Environmental Impacts of The Flood
The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 left a lasting impact on the River’s environment and ecology. The increased water flow created by the flooding changed the River’s dynamics and affected the area’s wildlife and habitat. With the increased flow came an influx of new plants and animals to the area, which transformed the River’s ecology.
Not all environmental impacts of the flood were beneficial, however. With the increased flow also came immense sediment deposits along the River’s banks. This sediment made the area less navigable and blocked nutrient-rich sediments from being replenished in the area, which resulted in a shortage of food sources for the aquatic and riparian wildlife.
In addition, the higher water levels caused significant erosion to the River’s banks. This not only made navigation of the River more difficult but it also contributed to the destruction of many of the area’s riparian communities which were the habitats for the wildlife that made their homes along the Mississippi.
Finally, the increased water flow caused by the flood also contributed to the pollution of the area. The higher waters mixed with the polluted runoff from the surrounding areas, creating a toxic mix in the River that was dangerous for the area’s inhabitants.
Legacy of The Flood
The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 left behind a legacy of destruction and transformation. It is remembered as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in American History, with the death toll estimated to be up to 4000.
The legacy of the flood was that it catalyzed major changes to the infrastructure of the Mississippi River. The area was marked with an increased presence of levees, dams, and reservoirs to control the water flow and to ensure similar floodings would not occur in the future. Additionally, the government’s response to the flooding was an important factor in the passage of the 1928 Flood Control Act, which improved the infrastructure of the area.
The 1927 Flood also changed the socio-economic context of the area, leaving thousands in poverty and creating a significant burden on the community organizations as they struggled to provide relief to the affected families. It also brought attention to the need for improved flood warning systems and since then, the USGS has implemented measures to ensure that sufficient data is available to anticipate and prepare for future floods.
Finally, the sheer magnitude of the disaster and the magnitude of the losses felt by thousands of individuals and families made the Mississippi River Flood of 1927 an enduring part of America’s history. The area has since recovered and continues to be a vibrant part of the American landscape, but the legacy of the 1927 flood will never be forgotten.
