Memphis became the flood capital of the Mississippi Valley. Built on the fourth Chickasaw bluff. high above the river. and possessing extensive urban facilities and a large depot of the United States Engineer Corps. Memphis was the strategic point of resistance and became the shelter of more than 60.000 panicstricken refugees who hurried into the city from the lowlands of eastern Arkansas. southeastern Missouri. northern Mississippi. and western Tennessee. When it appeared that the crest might exceed the height of the levees which protected the rich and populous St. Francis Valley. word went out to prepare for an alltime highwater record on the Mississippi. Troubled and overwrought people construed the warning as an order to evacuate the valley and a flight which has been described as comparable to that of the helpless Belgians before the German Army in 1914 was suddenly under way. All roads led to Memphis. "On they came. like trails of ants". laden with all the worldly goods which they could carry in wagons. on trucks. or In packs on their rainsoaked. shivering backs. The lame. the sick. and the weary faltered on the roadside. overladen vehicles failed under the loads and jammed the highways for hours. while shrewd traders. taking advantage of misery and distress. bought livestock and household effects from the refugees at grossly inadequate prices. For a hundred years Memphis has been known as the place of refuge from floodwaters. and as the unbroken caravans entered the open gates our people rose in mass to meet the new emergency. In this crisis Memphians faced a double task. More refugees than ever before had to be fed. clothed. housed. and given medical care. and the outskirts of the city had to be protected from the rapidly rising river. Two populated sections would be subject to overflow at a 55foot stage of the Mississippi Riverthe North Memphis. or Wolf River Basin. embracing 3.051 acres. on which are located 4.600 dwellings and store buildings and 40 industrial plants. all of an aggregate value of approximately $18.800.000. and the South Memphis. or Nonconnah River Basin. north of the levee. 1.789 acres in area. and including more than 300 homes and stores and 20 industries. aggregating in value $5.100.000. A valuable riverside drive and extensive wharf and dock facilities were seriously menaced also.
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refugees