Great Flood of 1844

The adjusted economic impact was not as great as subsequent floods because of the small population in the region at the time.

The flood devastation was particularly widespread since the region had few levees at the time, so the waters were able to spread far from the normal banks.

Earlier in 1844, "by the first of May", the Mississippi River's banks overflowed and "By the 6th, the people of St. Louis began to be severly alarmed", until the water level lowered.

[1] The flood formed a large sandbar in front of the Wayne City Landing at Independence, Missouri, causing settlers to go further west to Westport Landing, which resulted in significant local economic and cultural impact.

Over time, channeling and levee construction have altered how floods affect various areas along the Missouri River.