1964

After centuries of floods, the Mississippi River flood-wall provided protection from the floodwaters that periodically ravaged Cape Girardeau. Construction on the massive flood-control project began in 1956 and was completed in 1964 at a cost of more than $4 million. The system of earthen levees and concrete walls parallels the river for 7,210 feet and includes two pumping stations, five gates, and six drainage structures. It proved its worth in protecting Cape Girardeau's downtown during the huge floods of 1973, 1993, and 1995. The towboat Elizabeth Ann, owned by the Eribacher family of Cape Girardeau, was built in 1958 by Missouri Dry Dock and Repair Company, Inc. and has been operated since its construction by Missouri Barge Line Company, Inc. Both companies were founded by Robert W. Eribacher, with Missouri Barge Line Company beginning in 1945 and Missouri Dry Dock and Repair Company beginning in 1953.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri · United States