The Great Mississippi Flood of 1874 Its Extent, Duration, and Effects By: Louis A. Wiltz
Louis A. Wiltz provides a comprehensive and riveting account of a cataclysmic event in American history—the Great Mississippi Flood of 1874. In his book, Wiltz weaves together an engrossing narrative backed by meticulous research, offering readers an in-depth understanding of the flood's extent, duration, and devastating effects. From the outset, Wiltz captivates readers with his vivid descriptions, transporting them to the Mississippi River basin of the late 19th century. Through his vivid prose, readers can envision the vast expanse of floodwaters, the swelling rivers, and the immense destruction left in their wake. Wiltz's ability to paint a vivid picture truly breathes life into an event that significantly impacted the lives of countless Americans. The strength of Wiltz's work lies in his meticulous attention to detail. Extensive research is evident on every page, as he delves into the historical, social, and economic factors that precipitated the disaster. By exploring the flood's origins, Wiltz enables readers to comprehend the broader context and better understand the magnitude of the catastrophe. His detailed analysis of meteorological patterns, engineering failures, and societal responses offers a comprehensive perspective on the myriad elements that contributed to the flood's devastating effects. One aspect that distinguishes this book is the author's unwavering commitment to portraying the human cost of the disaster. Wiltz skillfully incorporates personal accounts, diaries, and eyewitness testimonies, effectively humanizing the tragedy and allowing readers to empathize with those who experienced its wrath. By including these narratives alongside his astute analysis, Wiltz ensures that the enormity of the flood is not reduced to mere statistics, but rather keenly felt by the reader. While the book successfully navigates through the complexities of the flood, its only shortcoming lies in its occasional dry and dense passages. Wiltz's commitment to providing comprehensive information sometimes results in an overload of technical details, which may deter some readers seeking a more accessible account. However, those with a keen interest in history or geography will find great value in the depth of Wiltz's research. In conclusion, The Great Mississippi Flood of 1874 by Louis A. Wiltz is an immensely informative and engaging chronicle of a monumental natural disaster. Wiltz's mastery of storytelling, combined with his rigorous research, makes this book an indispensable resource for scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative event that forever altered the Mississippi River basin. First Page: THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI FLOOD OF 1874. ITS EXTENT, DURATION AND EFFECTS. A CIRCULAR FROM MAYOR WILTZ, OF NEW ORLEANS, TO THE MAYORS OF AMERICAN CITIES AND TOWNS, AND TO THE PHILANTHROPIC THROUGHOUT THE REPUBLIC, IN BEHALF OF SEVENTY THOUSAND SUFFERERS IN LOUISIANA ALONE. NEW ORLEANS: PICAYUNE STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINT, 66 CAMP STREET. 1874 MAYORALTY OF NEW ORLEANS. NEW ORLEANS, MAY 30th, 1874. On the 25th instant, the kind favor of the Western Union Telegraph Company enabled me to send to the Mayors of thirty four large American cities the following dispatch: "By request of Relief Committee and leading citizens, I again call on American cities in behalf of fifty four thousand victims of the great flood, for such aid as your prosperity may permit or your philanthropy prompt you to grant. Contributions in cash and provisions in thirty five days have been less than one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. In fifteen days our means will be exhausted. The demand for relief will continue great and urgent for many weeks. Daily rations have been distributed to about forty five thousand eight thousand furnished by the Government. Painful anxiety as to the results is general. "Nothing but large increase of resources for relief can prevent the horrors of famine and great loss of life... Continue reading book >>

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1874 Its Extent, Duration, and Effects By: Louis A. Wiltz

Louis A. Wiltz provides a comprehensive and riveting account of a cataclysmic event in American history—the Great Mississippi Flood of 1874. In his book, Wiltz weaves together an engrossing narrative backed by meticulous research, offering readers an in-depth understanding of the flood's extent, duration, and devastating effects.

From the outset, Wiltz captivates readers with his vivid descriptions, transporting them to the Mississippi River basin of the late 19th century. Through his vivid prose, readers can envision the vast expanse of floodwaters, the swelling rivers, and the immense destruction left in their wake. Wiltz's ability to paint a vivid picture truly breathes life into an event that significantly impacted the lives of countless Americans.

The strength of Wiltz's work lies in his meticulous attention to detail. Extensive research is evident on every page, as he delves into the historical, social, and economic factors that precipitated the disaster. By exploring the flood's origins, Wiltz enables readers to comprehend the broader context and better understand the magnitude of the catastrophe. His detailed analysis of meteorological patterns, engineering failures, and societal responses offers a comprehensive perspective on the myriad elements that contributed to the flood's devastating effects.

One aspect that distinguishes this book is the author's unwavering commitment to portraying the human cost of the disaster. Wiltz skillfully incorporates personal accounts, diaries, and eyewitness testimonies, effectively humanizing the tragedy and allowing readers to empathize with those who experienced its wrath. By including these narratives alongside his astute analysis, Wiltz ensures that the enormity of the flood is not reduced to mere statistics, but rather keenly felt by the reader.

While the book successfully navigates through the complexities of the flood, its only shortcoming lies in its occasional dry and dense passages. Wiltz's commitment to providing comprehensive information sometimes results in an overload of technical details, which may deter some readers seeking a more accessible account. However, those with a keen interest in history or geography will find great value in the depth of Wiltz's research.

In conclusion, The Great Mississippi Flood of 1874 by Louis A. Wiltz is an immensely informative and engaging chronicle of a monumental natural disaster. Wiltz's mastery of storytelling, combined with his rigorous research, makes this book an indispensable resource for scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative event that forever altered the Mississippi River basin.

First Page:

THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI FLOOD OF 1874. ITS EXTENT, DURATION AND EFFECTS.

A CIRCULAR FROM MAYOR WILTZ, OF NEW ORLEANS,

TO THE MAYORS OF AMERICAN CITIES AND TOWNS, AND TO THE PHILANTHROPIC THROUGHOUT THE REPUBLIC, IN BEHALF OF SEVENTY THOUSAND SUFFERERS IN LOUISIANA ALONE.

NEW ORLEANS: PICAYUNE STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINT, 66 CAMP STREET. 1874

MAYORALTY OF NEW ORLEANS.

NEW ORLEANS, MAY 30th, 1874.

On the 25th instant, the kind favor of the Western Union Telegraph Company enabled me to send to the Mayors of thirty four large American cities the following dispatch:

"By request of Relief Committee and leading citizens, I again call on American cities in behalf of fifty four thousand victims of the great flood, for such aid as your prosperity may permit or your philanthropy prompt you to grant. Contributions in cash and provisions in thirty five days have been less than one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. In fifteen days our means will be exhausted. The demand for relief will continue great and urgent for many weeks. Daily rations have been distributed to about forty five thousand eight thousand furnished by the Government. Painful anxiety as to the results is general.

"Nothing but large increase of resources for relief can prevent the horrors of famine and great loss of life... Continue reading book >>

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