Sullivan Line

The line was initially created to establish the limits of Native American territory (they would not be permitted south of it); disputes over the boundary were to erupt into the Honey War.

[1] Despite his intention to draw the border straight east, he drifted north to about 40.6135698 at the boundary's eastern terminus just south of what is now Farmington, Iowa.

This drift of 2.9 miles (4.7 km) northward is generally thought to be due to the change in magnetic declination, for which he did not correct his compass as the survey progressed.

However the Missouri Constitution muddied the debate with phrase: "to the intersection of the parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of the River Des Moines".

However, the Des Moines Rapids on the Mississippi River were just 15 miles (24 km) in a straight line east of Sullivan's eastern terminus.

In the terms the 12-mile (19 km) stretch between the end of the Sullivan Line and the Mississippi was conceded (in what was called Half Breed Tract because it was to be set aside for mixed race residents).

When the residents of Iowa refused to pay, he is said to have cut down three trees to collect honey bee beehives in lieu of taxes.

Also, in 1839, Latter Day Saints followers of Joseph Smith, regrouped at Nauvoo, Illinois, on the Mississippi River after having been kicked out of Missouri in the Mormon War.