Tower Rock, Limestone island in Mississippi River, Missouri.
Tower Rock is a 344-foot limestone formation that rises from the Mississippi River. Its summit is covered with a forest of beech, pine, oak, and hickory trees.
Missionary Jacques Marquette documented the rock formation in 1673 while exploring the Mississippi River. The United States Army removed river pirates who used the island as a base for attacks in 1803.
German Lutheran settlers viewed this rock as their landing mark when they arrived seeking religious freedom in the region. The formation became a meaningful symbol for their community as they established themselves along the river.
The rock becomes accessible when Mississippi River water levels drop below 1.5 feet, creating a temporary path across the limestone riverbed. Check river conditions before visiting to ensure safe access.
The island served as a hideout for river pirates planning ambushes before authorities cleared it out. This less known chapter reveals how the Mississippi River was once a route for outlaw activity.
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