During the American Revolution, on June 16, 1775, George Washington appointed the first engineer officers of the Army. Engineers have since served in all American wars. The Corps of Engineers was established as a separate, permanent branch on March 16, 1802, and was entrusted with founding and operating the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Mississippi River Commission, created in 1879, manages the entire river and coordinates efforts to protect wetlands, stabilise riverbanks, maintain navigable channels, and build levees. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the commission directs policy for six Corps of Engineers Districts.
Throughout the 19th century, the Corps contributed to military and civil projects, including coastal fortifications, road and canal surveys, navigational hazard removal, Western frontier exploration, and construction of buildings and monuments in the nation's capital. In the 20th century, the Corps became the lead federal agency for flood control. It expanded its civil works activities, becoming a primary provider of hydroelectric energy and the nation's leading recreation provider. Its role in responding to natural disasters also increased significantly. The Corps has been involved in constructing lighthouses, developing jetties and piers for markers, and carefully mapping navigation channels. A massive riverbank stabilisation program, using woven willow mats and later concrete mats, along with riprap, has dramatically reduced erosion along the riverbank.
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.