Courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries and Archives, Griffith, J.E., "The Des Moines Rapids of the Mississippi River, and Its Improvements," The Annals of Iowa, Vol. 1870, No. 2, pp. 149-154, 1870
Description
This essay appeared in The Annals of Iowa in 1870. The author gives details about canal construction to aid boats in bypassing rapids on the Mississippi River between Keokuk, Iowa and Montrose, Iowa. The author urges the completion of the canal as soon as possible to avoid the increase of costs. He also makes connections between the advancement in transportation technologies and population increases.
Source-Dependent Questions
- What advantages does the author see in the construction of the canal to bypass the rapids on the Des Moines River? Why might these be advantages?
- Who does the author say would benefit from improving navigation on the Mississippi River? What benefits would they receive?
- The author states that the first survey regarding this canal project was conducted in 1830. What can you infer about the factors that could influence the completion of the canal?
- What does the author predict about the workers who are building the canal? How does this prediction help to understand how transportation advancements encouraged westward settlement?"
Citation Information
Griffith, J.E., "The Des Moines Rapids of the Mississippi River, and Its Improvements," The Annals of Iowa, Vol. 1870, No. 2, pp. 149-154, 1870. Courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries and Archives