Vicksburg National Military Park

Yesterday I had the chance to visit the site of the bloody fight for Vicksburg, MS, and the control of the Mississippi River during the Civil War.
The Mississippi River was strategic for the flow of  farm and manufactured goods up and down the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, as well as the upper Mississippi River. When the Confederates blocked the river to Union traffic at Vicksburg, a consideraable advantage went to the South to win the war. By July 4th, 1863, General Grant was able to starve out the city and take control of the Mississippi River. Combined with the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania at the same time, the tide was turning toward a Union Vistory.
What a shame so many people had to suffer and die because some "leaders" could not compromise!!
Warmest regards, Gus

Clarksville, Missouri

 As I continue my trek down the Mississippi River, yesteerday I was in Clarksville, MO. In the second photo, I am sitting on a monument dedicated to the people who helped save the town from the flood of 1973. The mark on the monument just below my feet indicated the high water mark from that flood.
Warmest regards, Gus

Louisiana, Missouri

 On Saturday, I attended the Colorfest Parade in Louisiana, MO. The parade came right down the street through the three blocks of booths. There were several bands and lots of fire trucks.
Besides the booths, some selling arts and crafts, there was a car show.
The sign below is at the boat dock on the Mississippi River.
Warmest regards, Gus

Queen of the Mississippi

 While I was in Hannibal, the new paddlewheeler "Queen of the Mississippi" stopped for a few hours on its trip from St. Paul, Minnesota, to St. Louis, Missouri.
The boat is only about one year old. It made the trip in about five days, while I have spent several weeks making the trip from the Twin Cities to Hannibal. I think I made more, and longer, stops on the way.

Warmest regards, Gus

Hannibal, Missouri

 Last week I was in Hannibal, MO, and visited the boyhood home of Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain). Twain lived in the house behind this fence from the time he was about four years old until he was 17. I did not pay to whitewash the fence!!

Davenport, Iowa

 I went for a bike ride today along the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, with cousins Jim and Pat. This tug boat and barges were near the bank, waiting to go through the locks.
I had a great time in Dubuque the last few days, meeting many of Jim's classmates from the class of 1963 at Loras College.
Warmest regards, Gus

Amish Country in Iowa

Today I spent some time in the Oelwein, Iowa, area, and visited the Amish country. They seem to take good care of their horses.
Warmest regards, Gus