Tower Rock

Tower Rock is a landmark island in the Mississippi River, in Perry County, Missouri, near the town of Wittenberg, Missouri, and across the river from Grand Tower, Illinois.

The earliest European mention of this island is by Jacques Marquette in 1673:

"...we found ourselves at a river called ouaboukigou, The mouth of which is at the 36th degree of latitude. Before reaching it, we passed by a Place that is dreaded by the Savages, because they believe that a manitou is there, — that is to say, a demon, — that devours travelers; and The savages, who wished to divert us from our undertaking, warned us against it. This is the demon: there is a small cove, surrounded by rocks 20 feet high, into which The whole Current of the river rushes; and, being pushed back against the waters following It, and checked by an Island near by, the Current is Compelled to pass through a narrow Channel. This is not done without a violent Struggle between all these waters, which force one another back, or without a great din, which inspires terror in the savages...."

A ridge directly across the river from the island is named Devil's Backbone.

Meriwether Lewis mentions the island in his journals, stating that rivermen who passed the rock would celebrate in a way similar to sailors crossing the equator, by raising a drink of spirits.

Lutherans from Germany considered this island their Plymouth Rock, for here they landed, after seeking a place where they could practice religious freedom.

The river was at low-point in 1988 and for the first time it was possible to walk to the island.

External links

* [http://tower-rock-winery.com/tower.htm History of Tower Rock]
* http://www.picturetrail.com/grandtowerillinois62942