Maps That Made America: Mississippi river meander belt

The video discusses Harold Norman Fisk's work on mapping the Mississippi River, highlighting its historical significance and the challenges of flood control. Fisk's research, sponsored by the federal government during World War II, combined aerial photography and archival work to study the river's dynamic nature. The Great Flood of 1927, which displaced many African Americans, underscored the need for such research. The Mississippi River, a vital transportation route, drains 40% of the continental U.S., making its management crucial for safety and navigation.

How did Harold Norman Fisk and his team study the Mississippi River?

What role did the federal government play in the research of the Mississippi River during World War Two?