Lower Mississippi River Itineraries

The Lower Mississippi River flows downstream from Cairo, Illinois and the confluence with the Ohio River, for 1600 km – 1000 miles – to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the most heavily traveled component of this river system. Unlike on the upper rivers, there are no locks and dams on the Lower Mississippi. The river is, however, constrained by levees and dams that control flooding and secure the navigation channel for barge traffic.

Navigation the Corps of Engineers maintains channel depth of 9 feet from St. Louis to Baton Rouge.

On the lower Mississippi, from Baton Rouge to the Gulf, the navigation depth is 45 feet, allowing for container ships and cruise ships to dock at the port of New Orleans.

Nashville has been the subject of many books, movies and songs. But, while music is the lifeblood of this city, you will also find here culture, history, haute cuisine, sports, natural beauty and Southern charm.

Blues Rock ’n’ Roll BBQ Pork Capital Cotton Row and Graceland  

Memphis is a city with a rich and eclectic history. Some of the city’s traditions and milestones include: Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley, the Memphis Zoo, the Indie Memphis Film Festival, Sun Studio, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Beale Street Music Festival.

The Mississippi Story Sights Sounds and Culinary Traditions a melting pot of cultures – from African to Italian to Asian. Capital-River from a mighty river and antebellum mansions to downtown with restaurants featuring soul food, authentic ethnic dishes and modern culinary delights. Pines barbecue and bakeries, cheese and cheesecakes, the tastes of this region take their influences from their Native American heritage. Hills home to William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Southern fiction characters, platters of fried chicken, skillets of cornbread, and delicacies such as pecan pie. Coast golf, gambling, art, architecture and great food.

 a melting pot of regional, ethnic, national and international cuisine

New Orleans the oldest neighborhood in the city is the French Quarter. Established by the French in 1718, the location continues to be a valuable site for trade due to its strategic position along the Mississippi River. Jackson Square, originally known as the Place d'Armes, was renamed to honor Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The square is flanked by historic structures such as the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and Cabildo, which house the Louisiana State Museums, and the Pontalba Apartments - the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. 

Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania

American Historic Small-Town Itineraries

Located in a rich agricultural region known as the Cumberland Valley in South Central Pennsylvania,

Mechanicsburg was named for a settlement of mechanics who made and repaired Conestoga wagons in the early 19^th century. Its continued growth as transport hub resulted from its designation as a water station where workers could restock the locomotive's wood and pump water.

Mechanicsburg and Trains

Grain and feed companies, lumber yards and numerous factories were built alongside the railroad tracks. Archives show that, at one time, there were twenty-five trains chugging through the town daily carrying travelers, mail, coal, feathers, fruit, and newspapers. During the Civil War, the railroad was an invaluable method of transporting troops and supplies. Today, up to six trains travel through each day.

Present-day Mechanicsburg is Centered on a 100-acres (40 ha) tract Purchased from William Penn

The town went by several different names:

Drytown because of the extreme scarcity of water during the winter and summer.

Pinchgut a German word signifying a small village with only a few people.

Staufferstown, in honor of Henry Stauffer, the owner of much of the land in the center of town.

On June 28, 1863, Confederate troops raided Mechanicsburg, and two days later, met with Union forces just east of town. This was the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. Following the Skirmish of Sporting Hill, the Confederate forces retreated south into the town of Gettysburg.

The Oldest Building in Mechanicsburg is the Frankeberger Tavern. One of Mechanicsburg's first residents was George Frankeberger, who in 1801 applied for a license to open his newly built log home for the convenience of travelers between Harrisburg and Carlisle.

The Mechanicsburg Museum is a cluster of historic buildings from the 1800s where visitors can learn about Cumberland Valley history. The two-story Freight Station Museum & Museum Store was once used for freight shipments and deliveries. It now houses a modern museum space and gift shop.

The Cumberland Valley Beer Trail tour and taste a pint at Cumberland Valley pubs; Valley breweries and restaurants welcome locals and visitors to sample their unique flavors of craft brews.

Seabrook Texas

American Historic Small-Town Itineraries

Seabrook borders Galveston Bay and includes marshes that runoff from inland fields. It was founded by Seabrook W. Sydnor in 1895; in March 1903, the Seabrook Company of Houston created a layout of the proposed Seabrook Town site. The new town attracted fishermen, merchants and later the nearby NASA Johnson Space Center.

The historic downtown area was constructed in the early 20^th century and it is renowned for its antique shops and bed and breakfast establishments. The town hosts the Texas Keels and Wheels classic car and boat show held each year the first weekend in May at Lakewood Yacht Club. A Festival of the Arts is held annually on the grounds of Seabrook City Hall where artists exhibit paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, wood works, photography, and performances by Texas musicians.

Trails there are 8 miles (13 km) of crushed granite trails that connect most of the city's parks, traversing habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. The city is a bird sanctuary, including four sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the nearby Armand Bayou Nature Center.

Watertown South Dakota

American Historic Small-Town Itineraries

Watertown is located on the Big Sioux River between Pelican and Kampeska Lakes. Founded in 1879 as a rail terminus, the city was named after Watertown, New York, hometown of two of the founders. 

During the 1880s, Watertown prospered as a railroad transportation hub; Interstate 29 has been a major economic benefit to the larger communities along its route, including Watertown.

The Watertown Public Opinion Newspaper Began Publishing in 1887

Local Cultural Attractions the Coddington County Heritage Museum is home to thousands of pictures and artifacts that tell the story of this area of South Dakota.

Mellette House dates-back to 1885; it was the home of Arthur Calvin Mellette, the last governor of the Dakota Territory and First Governor of South Dakota. The Mellette Memorial Association has restored this home to its former beauty.

Bramble Park Zoo is home to over 800 mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates. Have fun at the Kidzoo and Ottertown; explore and play while connecting with nature.

Watertown is home to two breweries with craft beer, a winery, vodka and rum distillery.