The Mighty Mo
The Mighty Mo
The Mighty Mo' Throughout our history and even before human habitation, the Missouri River has played a significant role in shaping not only the physical geography of the state but the human geography as well. This episode looks at how the Missouri River has impacted the human habitation of the state and region.
It was the life source for many early Indian tribes and a watery highway for exploration and settlement. It has also supplied the state with energy and water as it was dammed in the last century for hydropower and irrigation.
Related Resources
Additional videos, activities, and more below.
YouTube Playlist with a variety of episode related topics including the Missouri River Dams: History and Safety.
Learn about the sinking of the Steamboat North Alabama in 1870, and create a tape resist art piece.
Take a look at the historical story of the Missouri River.
Missouri National Recreational River offers 100 miles of practically pristine river scenery.
American Island was situated between Chamberlain and Oacoma, and known for its cedar, cottonwoods, and berries.
Lake Oahe is a popular spot for anglers. However, Oahe holds another secret: salmon.
The opening of the highway bridge over the Missouri River at Mobridge in 1924.
The story of the winter of 1880/81 has been retold in historical fiction and folklore.
In 1881 huge floating chunks of ice jammed the river channel.
One of the first floods to be recorded at the confluence of the James River and the Missouri River happened in 1881.
Zebra mussels are an invasive mollusk. Their name comes from the zig-zagged stripes on their shells.
Oahe Dam construction including a portion of the 1958 closure.
Emergency tunnels construction used for floodwater release, intake tower, and other structures.
The Big Bend Dam near Fort Thompson is named for an unusual, horse-shoe-shaped bend in the Missouri River.
Goat Island, near Vermillion, remains a pristine landscape on one of the few wild stretches of the Missouri River.
Vermillion, South Dakota, was among the first towns formed in Dakota Territory in 1859.
The Lewis and Clark expedition passed this island in September of 1804, calling it "Good Humored Island."
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking new steps to prevent damage to the dams along the Missouri River.
Within the 59-Mile District of the Wild and Scenic River, between Yankton and Vermillion, lies Goat Island.
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contact Steven Rokusek at EdServices@sdpb.org
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Additional Resources