Rockin' History in the Middle of the Mississippi River

When The Colonel and I were in Sainte Genevieve, MO in October of 2023, we had wanted to stop by an historical, natural landmark on our way back home but the weather was stormy and we were time constrained. So, when we left Ste. Gen. after the 18th Century wedding festivities this May, we made sure to stop by Tower Rock. The weather was perfect and we had plenty of time.

We made our way along the narrow, gravel road (pictured above). This road runs alongside the Mississippi River. We finally arrived at our destination (I had to remove a black bra from the sign before I took this photo).

Smack-dab in the middle of the Mississippi River is Tower Rock. It is also known as "Grand Tower" and is a rock formation and landmark island in the river. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. 

Over the centuries it has gone by several other names such as, Cap de Roche, Cap St. Croix, Croix la Tour, La Roche de la Croix, Rock of St. Cosme, Castle Rock and Devil's Tower.

Earliest mention of Tower Rock was in 1673 by French missionary Jacques Marquette. He wrote the rock was dreaded by the "savages" and a Manitou or demon lived there and it devoured travelers. 

Earliest European inhabitants of Tower Rock were River Pirates. In 1803, the pirate haven was destroyed by U.S. Army Dragoons from Fort Kaskaskia.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed by Tower Rock on their Corps of Discovery adventure. Lewis stated, "Rivermen who passed it celebrated in a similar way as sailors crossing the equator, by raising drinks of spirits."

The Colonel and I stood along the Mississippi River admiring the majestic beauty of Tower Rock. The waters of the river were swiftly passing the rocky monument. There were huge tree trunks being carried along the strong current and there were some eddies swirling between us and the rock. We could see how this could be a hazard to navigation to those traversing the great river. 

We were very glad to have added Tower Rock to a stop along the way home this time. If ever you are near the town of Wittenberg, Missouri or across the Mississippi River in Grand Tower, Illinois, look to the middle of the river and enjoy the view of Tower Rock