The natural channel of the Wood River used to follow the Mississippi through the bottoms before joining it.

This has been cut off by an artificial channel that runs through flood control structures directly to the Mississippi.

The mouth of the Wood River was a highly industrialized area during much of the 20th century.

The Olin Chemical plant produced explosives and munitions for the wars of the last century.

The Wood River petroleum refinery continues to operate on a reduced scale.