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Slide Show https://pbase.com/britestar/2011_flood_of_the_century&view=slideshow However, reading the more detailed explanations under individual, enlarged images may help one better understand my story of the Parkville Flood.

This is a 4 part gallery: The Preparations, The Waiting, The Flood, and the Aftermath.

Via power turbines and spillways from reservoirs at 4 major Northern Lakes, the Army Corps of Engineers released 160,000 cubic feet of water PER SECOND (about 1.12 million gallons; which is enough water to fill 13 Olympic size pools) from Gavin's Point, South Dakota. This unprecedented, continuing large quantity of water emptied into the Missouri River headed straight toward Parkville. The Army Corps release continued until August. Rushing downstream, the sheer volume of water coming from the Upper Midwest caused historic flooding all along the Missouri River. Various interstate hiways - plus many, many state roads & even more local roads - were covered by flood waters and remained closed for months. People still have to drive hours out of their way just to go to work. Following the breaching of levies, many communities were forced to fight for their very existence.

These same flood waters reached the historic city of Parkville. Long standing water made this flood very different than any previous one in memory.

During the 1800's, Parkville was a very important center of commerce. Back when nearby Kansas City was in its infancy, Parkville held the main spot light over the now larger city. Indians, trappers, traders, and farmers all flocked to the thriving river port of Parkville. Today, Parkville is a tourist destination with quaint shops, warm little town feeling, and historic memories. Several of the original buildings remain and date back to 1840. These buildings are now in danger from the flood waters.

Nearby Kansas City did feel any significant impact from this Flood. Meanwhile, lives in the historic city of Parkville were changed by the flood of 2011. Parkville's close proximity to the Missouri River - that made it the Center of Commerce 300 years ago - still connects the City to what happens with the River today.

For the record, I am not a Parkville resident. However, the story of this strong community (filled with so much history) has captivated me; just as it has much of the news media and much of Missouri.