Tag: Mississippi Delta

Traveling Across the Mississippi Delta: Landmarks, Sights, and Nature

The Mississippi Delta is a captivating region brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Spanning 200 miles in length and 87 miles in width, the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta is a fertile floodplain nestled between the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers, as per this travel blog article from SouthernLiving.Here, we will explore some of the must-visit landmarks, breathtaking sights, and natural wonders that make this region a unique destination.

Historic Architecture in Natchez

Natchez is home to many historic structures, with Longwood being a standout attraction. This grand octagonal mansion, the largest of its kind in the United States, spans six stories and 30,000 square feet. Despite its unfinished state, caused by the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Longwood’s exterior showcases the architectural elegance of the period. It is a National Historic Landmark and a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

The Grammy Museum in Cleveland

The impact of Mississippi Delta music on American culture is profound, making Cleveland, Mississippi, an ideal location for the second Grammy Museum. The museum highlights the Delta’s contribution to various music genres, offering visitors an insightful experience into the area’s rich musical heritage. It’s a perfect stop to delve into the soulful history that has shaped American music.

Sky Lake in Belzoni

Sky Lake in Belzoni is a natural marvel, featuring ancient Cypress trees, some over 1,000 years old. These trees, known for their resilience and ecological benefits, line the shores of the lake, creating a serene and picturesque environment. An extensive boardwalk, constructed with the help of Wildlife Mississippi, allows visitors to walk among these majestic trees, while a paddling trail offers a closer interaction with the lake’s tranquil waters.

Riverboat Cruises on the Mississippi River

Experiencing the Mississippi River is best done aboard a riverboat. Cruises ranging from short excursions starting in Memphis to longer journeys from New Orleans to Memphis provide an immersive way to appreciate the river’s grandeur. These cruises often include stops in historical towns like Vicksburg, Natchez, and Greenville, enriching the journey with cultural and historical insights.

Cozy Retreat at Peacock Cottage

For a secluded and charming stay, Peacock Cottage in Shaw is an ideal retreat. This tiny cottage, tucked away behind the owners’ home and fields, features a screened porch overlooking a meadow. The setting is peaceful and offers a glimpse into the rural charm of the Delta. The hospitality of the owners reflects the warm and welcoming nature of Delta residents, making it a delightful place to unwind.

The Beauty Shop in Memphis

Capturing the spirit of the Delta, The Beauty Shop in Memphis offers a unique dining experience. Located in Priscilla Presley’s former beauty salon, the restaurant combines retro decor with a modern menu. Signature dishes like Pan-roasted Barramundi and Grilled Romaine Salad highlight the culinary creativity that draws diners back time and again.

H.D. Gibbes and Sons in Learned

H.D. Gibbes and Sons is a historic restaurant in Learned, Mississippi, known for its authentic Southern charm. With its original building and decor dating back to the late 1800s, the restaurant serves casual fare during the week and elevates the menu with steak, lamb chops, and seafood on weekends, all accompanied by live music.

Chamoun’s Rest Haven in Clarksdale

Chamoun’s Rest Haven offers a unique culinary experience with its Lebanese menu. Founded by Lebanese immigrants in the late 1930s, the restaurant has become a local favorite for dishes like kibbee sandwiches. Its combination of history and distinctive cuisine makes it a standout in the Delta.

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Researchers To Study Mississippi Delta Mudslides

In 2004, an underwater mudslide collapsed a Taylor Energy oil platform after Hurricane Ivan struck the coast of Alabama; this mudslide caused the longest oil spill in U.S. history. According to this article from The Advocate, a team of LSU researchers is tasked with studying hurricanes and mapping the Mississippi River Delta in order to gain a better understanding of mudslides’ effects on offshore energy production.

The team of LSU researchers will be studying mudslides in the Gulf of Mexico, which will eventually lead to a better understanding of the effects of mudslides on offshore oil operations. In a statement, the marine geologist leading the team, Sam Bentley, pointed out the need for such an intensive study by saying, “the last major study like this was in the 1970s, and was also led by LSU.  Much has changed since then, from the seabed conditions to the tools used to map the seabed and the need for offshore energy infrastructure. The knowledge gaps and possible liabilities are huge.”

The team will produce a comprehensive map of the Mississippi River Delta in order to gauge and better understand when and where mudslides occur, which can help predict risk. The seabed that surrounds the portion of the Mississippi River Delta that splits into Southwest Pass, South Pass, and Pass a Loutre, which is colloquially referred to as “Louisiana’s bird’s foot” is the primary seabed area that will be mapped by the team. According to officials, this work will be the first comprehensive map of the delta front in over 40 years, showcasing just how necessary this project is.

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will be providing about $3.8 million in funding for the project. This organization issues offshore space leases that allow the production of conventional and renewable energy. Along with BOEM, the other organizations involved are the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Water Institute of the Gulf, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bentley also revealed that BOEM had asked his team 10 years prior to begin laying the groundwork for the study.

Kehui Xu, the LSU Coastal Studies Institute director and a professor in LSU’s Department of Oceanography & Coastal Science, spoke about the study by saying, “in the past, many surveys were done either before or after landslides, but not during landslides, which often happen when there are hurricanes and river floods. While regular sensors deployed before such events can be displaced, buried, or damaged, we will be working with the NRL to test and deploy some rugged and new sensors that can ‘travel with’ landslides.”

In order for an underwater mudslide to occur, loose sediment that’s set on an incline begins to slide downward all at once. This is often caused by waves and other shifting parts; however, larger mudslides often form due to the larger waves generated by storms and hurricanes. Marine Geologist Sam Bentley put this concept into practical perspective by saying, “imagine a kitchen board with pancake batter; if you want it to flow downslope, down a low angle… you can jiggle [the kitchen board]. When the Mississippi River dumps sediment out of the mouth, mud piles up right offshore. Sometimes, it piles up so steeply that it slides down of its own accord.”

Marine geologist Sam Bentley hopes that his team’s research will be able to assist energy companies in building their offshore projects in a safer way. Researchers hope to stock their equipment with necessary tracking capabilities so that smaller, slower changes in the seabed will also be detected–changes past surveys of the bird’s foot missed.

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