Environment

Here Are Three Bits of Sunken History Revealed as Rivers and Lakes Dry Up in Drought

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a report saying the nationwide drought could be leveling off in many areas of the country, even though its effects will linger.

Although the dry weather has taken a negative toll on farming communities, there could be a bright side. As some lakes, rivers and reservoirs across the country experience lower water levels, bits of history submerged for decades have been resurfacing again.

One of these is a town in Indiana covered by water in the 1960s when the Army Corps of Engineers designed a reservoir over it. This long forgotten town under Salamonie Lake began peeking out in July. The site was closed off at first to protect it from looters, but it was soon reopened for formal tours, drawing more than 800 spectators according to the Journal Gazette. Here’s more from the Gazette on what was visible from the receding water:

The cement foundation and bricks from the old schoolhouse were the most visible remnants. But aside from old streets, the occasional foundation, some cement blocks and a few old tiles, the only other sign of civilization was the occasional beer can – which may have been left more recently by boaters.

Historical Bridge, Steamship Wreckage and Ghost Town Seen as Bodies of Water Recede in Nationwide Drought

Cement slab and bricks of Monument City observed. (Image: NBC screenshot)

The Gazette notes some local residents saying what out-of-state tourists may not realize is the ruins of the town can also be seen in the winter when water in the reservoir is purposefully let out. WANE.com reports DNR spokesperson Justin Harrington saying in July of last year Monument City was eight feet under water. He said five to six inches of rain would help bring the current lake level back up to a point where the ghost town would be submerged again.

Watch this NBC report that includes an interview with a man who lived in Monument City before it was flooded:

 

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

As pointed out in NBC’s report above, Monument City isn’t the only thing being revealed by lower water levels. Shipwrecks are being uncovered as well. A more than 100-yard steamboat built in 1882 was seen peeking out of the mud on the Missouri River after being submerged for 128 years.

Historical Bridge, Steamship Wreckage and Ghost Town Seen as Bodies of Water Recede in Nationwide Drought

Wreckage of "The Montana" in the Missouri River. (Image: WAOW Screenshot)

Watch the local news report on the century-old wreckage:

WAOW – Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

A “controversial” bit of history on the Platte River in Nebraska has been dredged up thanks to the drought as well. KMTV reports the remnants of a public bridge spanning the river can now be seen. Although few were even aware of the existence of the bridge, even fewer may know about the feud between two counties regarding which had the rights to the bridge and therefore the tolls collected to cross it. The bridge itself met its demise nearly 100 years ago when it was swept away by ice chunks. After 96 years, only the posts of the bridge still remain. Watch the KMTV report about the structure and its history here.

Historical Bridge, Steamship Wreckage and Ghost Town Seen as Bodies of Water Recede in Nationwide Drought

Posts left of the Platte River bridge. (Image: KMTV screenshot)

Last week, the amount of the continental U.S. mired in drought remained about the same at 61.8 percent. The portion enduring extreme or exceptional drought – the two worst classifications – also remained virtually unchanged at 24.14 percent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

This story has been updated to correct a typo. 

(H/T: Daily Mail)

Comments (55)

1 2
  • babylonvi
    Posted on August 21, 2012 at 1:00am

    Fact #1: Weather is not climate
    Fact #2: Wet places get dey, dry places get wet….without human intervention
    The Sahara was Green, it became desert without SUVs or Dinosaur farts

    fact 3#: When considering global warming claims and government actions for same,
    FOLLOW THE MONEY

    Report Post » babylonvi  
    • kennyg933
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:56am

      I agree, but the thing I took is that building foundations and concrete slabs were uncovered. So, evidently, there was construction on some of these sites. At some in the past, the water was low for a lo enough time for people to build there. Water exists in one state or another, as the first law of thermodynamics explains. It will be back. Then again, the proximity of our planet to the sun probably has an effect, I’m sarcastically guessing.

      Report Post »  
  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:23pm

    If that happened to the Detroit River all that would be found is Murdered Dead Bodies.

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
  • Logistician
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:49pm

    great story!!!! Loved it~~~! too cool~~~~!

    Report Post » Logistician  
  • QuincySmith
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:11pm

    I am mystified: Here we clearly have anthropogenic global warming and the water is disappearing. Quick, call al gore he should know what went wrong!

    Report Post » QuincySmith  
  • annelouisegelinas
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:05pm

    God created Us and He alone can know when our last day is on Earth. In the meantime, we act like fools, live like angry hateful children, buzz on drugs, sex, and porn, and bully everybody around us.
    So much for God giving mankind a brain that supposedly has God’s intelligence attached to it. We are definitely abusing all the goodness we were born with. But God sits back and waits. Sooner or later after we blame Him for everything we made go wrong in our lives, He knows we will ask for His forgiveness before we die. Oh yes, last words on most dying beds are Oh God save me. Hummmm
    should have asked for His forgiveness and to save you when He could. Now He can only sit back and watch you die. The devil is probably very happy about it , where God would be crying for you.

    Report Post » annelouisegelinas  
    • fliptailhunter
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:09am

      What does, what you just wrote, have to do with the drought, im also a Christian, but you sound bit judgmental

      Report Post » fliptailhunter  
  • thegodfather
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:29pm

    How bout that. If Gore lived back then he could have warned them of global warming caused by burning fossil fuels, would cause the river to rise.. Oh wait!! They DIDN’T burn fossil fuels back than you freaking moron!!

    Report Post » thegodfather  
  • dazedandamazed
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:20pm

    TThere is a lake here in Va. that dries up about every 100 years for no apparent reason. The last time it dried up about two years ago some people were looking to see what they could find. They found a pair of shoes a few bones and some silver coins. Seems a young man had drowned there about I think it was about 75 years ago and they did not really know what had happened. This is the location where they filmed the movie Dirty Dancing.

    Report Post » dazedandamazed  
  • bdandsl
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:09pm

    There is a lake near where I live, Millerton Lake in Fresno County California. It was flooded when a dam was put in and I learned the little town of Millerton used to be the county seat and that my Grandfather had lived there as a child. It’s hard to imagine when a lake is all I have ever seen.

    Report Post » bdandsl  
  • chasbronson
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:02pm

    Consequences of rebellion against God. Do you think He does not simply turn away when He is cursed? Do you not think that He sustains all things by His power? What simple fools the human creation can be.We kill our unborn children we endorse homosexuality we live all kinds of abominations before Him?Do we really think that there is no God?

    Report Post »  
    • trinklefinder
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:30pm

      We are not living in Old Testament times. You have no idea why God allows a drought (or any other disaster) any more than Job could understand why he was afflicted with pox, or lost his wealth and family. I’m tired of people saying the Living God is vengeful, punishing and angry. Bad things don‘t happen because we are being punished but because it’s a warning that we are straying.

      Report Post » trinklefinder  
    • blackyb
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:41pm

      God does not change whether we are “living in old Testament times” or not. People will pay for their mockery of God and it is just starting. Those who think they are above God and worship men instead, will see these as the good times.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • CharlesMartel
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 5:55pm

      @Tricklefinder Can you figure out the difference between a vengeful God and a God who feels no obligation to protect people who reject Him from from the consequences of their actions?

      Report Post » CharlesMartel  
    • blancojoe
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:35pm

      It is called the withholding of blessings. God can and does turn his face away. He also said that if you bless Israel He will bless you (your country) … curse Israel and He will curse you. God answers prayers and He also says “No.” His will is done, not necessarily our own. His ways are not our ways.

      Report Post »  
    • conservative beckhater
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:46pm

      Chasbronson, you believe in a falsehood. There is no supernatural realm that punishes using weather and natural forces. You don’t look to ancient people when you need answers about things involving your health, your comfort, your safety, the weather forecast or to learn why milk goes sour and things happen around you. Why would you look to them for anything at all, especially when it comes to the supernatural realm, which exoists only in the imagination of people.

      Report Post »  
  • blair152
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 4:51pm

    One word: WOW!

    Report Post »  
  • 666Sucks
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:59pm

    It blows my mind that there is irrefutable proof of God, yet hardly anyone pays attention. Here is absolute proof God was hear on earth: http://www.arkdiscovery.com/red_sea_crossing.htm Want more? http://www.arkdiscovery.com/mt__sinai_found.htm I’m always astounded that the left will deny there is proof of God on a talking head show, and they are never challenged with them evidence because the talking heads on the right are totally ignorant of the truth!

    Report Post » 666Sucks  
    • annelouisegelinas
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:00pm

      Don’t you know that too many of them are too busy watching the real stuff like porn and sex. They cannot see God nor do they want to find Him. They would have to give up all the bad stuff and actuallly learn to like the good stuff. Not going to happen. They are addicted to porn and sex, the work of the devil himself. God watches while the devil burns man’s souls. Then maybe, just maybe, they may grovel on their knees and beg God to forgive them.Who knows. I wish they would test God by learning to live right and moral lives. Then it would be a win win situation for God and the rest of humanity. .

      Report Post » annelouisegelinas  
  • Helpful
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:53pm

    Now would be a good time to clean up some Trash on the bottom of the river, bottles,wire,broken glass,old wooden ships,dead bodies,Jimmy Hoffa,they might even want to deepen it…………………

    Report Post »  
  • Helpful
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:46pm

    Now would be a good time to clean up some of the TRASH, old bottles,wooden ships,dead bodies,etc

    Report Post »  
  • jake-spoon
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:37pm

    In some parts of the country the water level is so low that water skiing has been banned because it was kicking up too much dust.

    Report Post »  
  • mixplix
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:09pm

    Now’s the time to put in the foundations for your pier

    Report Post » mixplix  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:18pm

    It is amazing how living in a drought ravaged area for an extended period of time will make you appreciate rain no matter where you see it… even on the TV. While flipping channels you will stop for rain… even watch a commercial if it has rain in it!

    Advertisers.. note.. put rain in your commercials!

    Report Post »  
  • woodcellar
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:10pm

    The fish should be hungry. I reccomend going fishing.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:19pm

      I would recommend Treasure Hunting!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • DDD
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:36pm

      Dehydrated fish, yum!

      Report Post »  
    • MeteoricLimbo
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 3:21pm

      Lutefisk!
      Yumm, I think that’s how Jesus fed the multitudes with just 2 fish. A little goes a loooong way

      Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
  • SharonIsCaring
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:33pm

    What ever came about with the ship that was unearthed from under the TWIN TOWER’S debris?

    Report Post »  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:32pm

    See Nancy Pelosi – this is what you get when you drain the swamp.
    Failed progressive ideals

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
  • SharonIsCaring
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:28pm

    More video’s in comments from (in the FAITH section) Restoring Love or Jeff Foxworthy’s Bible Challenge

    Report Post »  
  • SharonIsCaring
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:19pm

    http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/xucDlyMjq42Ibg4UR3qBV1z7scwwPDOI RED SEA – See with your own eye’s http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/43aWYzMzoGzUW0aaWY61MOTHcPVLsqIv NOAH’S ARK – Waiting for us in Turkey

    Report Post »  
    • SharonIsCaring
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 4:10pm

      What ever came about with the VESSEL they found under the debris from 911. Was it George Washington’s vessel used during the Battle w/ the British? That is where he made his covenant w/ GOD.

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 12:59pm

    Look…….the constitution! Now we know where obama threw it.

    Report Post »  
  • GENEPAGLIARI
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 12:10pm

    As long as we continue in our ways, God will continue to hold back His blessings. Adequate rain is a blessing. Keep murdering babies, continue the assault on Israel and Christianity and it will only get worse.

    Report Post »  
    • facilitiesmgr
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:03pm

      GENEPAGLIARI,

      I agree with you in principle but are you sure you can state what God’s blessing is? The Bible says “the rain falls on the just and the unjust.” It is God’s soverignty that decides where those blessings of God go.

      You are correct in the fact that we as a nation must turn back to God by repenting of our sin and pursuing the heart of God once again. That process starts with you and me. We need to set the example with integrity, character, obedience and courage.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:19pm

      There is no greater display of arrogant ignorance then to speak on behalf of God or interpret any event as either being associated with his blessing or wrath. When such displays reflect what the individual thinks or views is just or right they become pathological. When they creep into our political arena or serve as the basis for decisions regarding candidates the are scary at best.

      Report Post »  
    • idaho1
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:32pm

      Your religious views are your right to behold and I will strongly defend them. I am a non-religious and yet, a very conservative individual. What some of those of your belief along with those of Todd Akin do to the conservative movement can have negative ramifications. Again, I support your right to your beliefs, strongly so, please do not try to impose your beliefs though upon others. This is where the religious, conservative right fails. Live your life and vote as you see fit, just please stop with the religious soap box and lead by example. Those that seek out your beliefs and who can benefit from them will find them and chose accordingly. What Todd Akin said yesterday was idiotic and ill timed, regardless of his beliefs. To each his own. Morality is not a condition based solely upon religion or the belief there of. Some constitutional conservatives are moral and good citizens without. I suspect this number of the population is much higher than you imagine. There are many life long Democrats who hate their party and share a lot of the conservative mindset that this country needs to survive, yet they hesitate to embrace it due to the staunch religious right who try to impose their beliefs legislatively even when the constitution has safeguards against it. The immoral left uses this against us. Can you not see this?

      Report Post »  
    • AnimalsAsLeaders
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:51pm

      0_e

      Report Post » AnimalsAsLeaders  
    • GENEPAGLIARI
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:01pm

      He lets the rain fall on the just and unjust. When He withholds the rain it is withheld from the just and the unjust.

      Report Post »  
    • skypilot77
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:39pm

      The poster’s religious beliefs are more than his right to behold. It is his right to speak them. There is a reason why the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion are in the same Amendment. The Founders understood — especially from a Christian point-of-view — that faith was expressed through words.

      And in regard to morality — morality is God’s realm too. He provides the only objective stance on morality based on the fact that He is the Lawgiver.

      Report Post »  
  • Obamujahadeen
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 12:08pm

    Not a global warmer in this life or the next, but it does show how fragile the earth is, and with just a 4-10 degree change up or even down or both would wipe out us and everything with us, and a worldwide mega drought can do it even faster.

    It also does show how dumb thinking the weather and climate can be controlled by people in DC who can‘t even control what’s between their legs 99% of the time. : (

    Report Post » Obamujahadeen  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:06am

    Think of all the cool stuff we’ll find when Obama makes the oceans recede!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:14am

      Nah, we won’t find anything, all the important stuff is going up in smoke – those funny cigs he loves so much and the deliveries of botox to Pelosi and other stuff to Reid marked “From Russia with Love.”

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:15am

      lol

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:19am

      Hoffa, Atlantis, Obama’s Integrity, and a lot of ex-union members wearing their cement boots.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:19am

      Yeah, but by federal law it will probably all belong to the federal government.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • scook84
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:48am

      A Birth Certificate? College Transcripts? Jimmy Hoffa? DB Cooper? The mind boggles! /src

      Report Post »  
    • NOT A CRAZY
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:49am

      I was wondering what relics will be left when America dries up. We are in the middle of a political drought and I am praying for rain.

      Report Post » NOT A CRAZY  
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