Mississippi River Flood
The Great Flood of 1927
Information
Two levees on the Mississippi river broke on April 16th and April 21st. Many African American plantation workers were left stranded in the steadily rising waters. Some were shot for refusing work when they got out of the waters. This was one of the worst natural disasters of USA history. It flooded the lower Mississippi river valley after lots of rainfall. This disastrous flood found its way into many Mississippi folk songs.
Video
Mississippi River Flood 1927
More information
- Caused by heavy rainfall
- Approximately 250 people died
- Over 23,000 square miles of land were submerged
- Lasted for at least 2 months
- Some areas were 30 feet deep
- Thousands of people went missing