Des Moines Rapids, Rapids on Mississippi River between Nauvoo, Illinois and Keokuk, Iowa, United States
The Des Moines Rapids spans a section of the Mississippi River where the water flows over limestone rocks, creating challenging navigation conditions.
In 1837, Robert E. Lee led a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team to blast a channel through the rapids to improve river navigation.
Native American trading posts established at the rapids in 1804 became centers for economic and social exchanges between different communities.
The rapids stretch extends with a mean depth of 2.4 feet, requiring careful navigation and specific water transportation equipment for safe passage.
The location sparked the Honey War between Missouri and Iowa in the 1830s due to territorial disputes over the rapids' control.
GPS coordinates: 40.46954,-91.37070
Latest update: March 24, 2025 14:08
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