Low Water in 2012 Showed History-- Part 1

From the December 22, 2012, Yahoo! News/AP "Low-water rivers offering up a glimpse of history" by John Salter.

Lack of rain has caused the lowest levels of rivers in decades and resulted in problems for commerce, concern for water supplies and hydro power.But, the low waters also have uncovered objects long-hidden.  Old steamboats were visible in the Missouri River near St. Charles.  A World War II minesweeper is now visible near St. Louis.

A rock has become visible in the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri that contains an etching (possibly a map) that is believed to be up to 1,200 years old.  It once wasn't in the water but a new channel was made and it is exposed only in periods of extreme drought.  Officials aren't giving its exact location for fear of looting.

Low Water Can be Good.  --Cooter

A Bonus From This Summer's Drought: Shipwrecks and Ghost Towns

From the August 20th Discovery News "Drought Exposes Sunken Ship"  Sunken ships in the Missouri River are starting to make an appearance with the low waters.  In 1882, the largest ship on the river, the Montana, struck an underwater tree and managed to run aground before sinking.  There it lay, underwater for 128 years, but now it is visible again.

And, this is not the only Missouri shipwreck seeing the light of day again.


From the August 20th Yahoo! News "Midwest drought reveals Indiana 'ghost towns'."

The drought has dried up the Salamonie River in northeast Indiana and receding water has revealed remnants, bricks and foundations from Monument City.

The small town of just 100 people was one of the ones along the river where the residents were relocated before the river was dammed and submerged for a reservoir built in 1965.

One Good Thing About the Drought.  Well, Two.  --DaCoot

Oh, and I didn't have to cut the grass for five weeks.