By the early 1950s, the Atchafalaya had captured over 20% of the Mississippi River’s flow, and the Army Corps of Engineers grew concerned that the Mississippi might change course as early as 1968.

A geologist's vibrant maps reveal how the Mississippi River has wandered across its valley, making it look like a colorful, winding serpent. These maps, created by Harold Fisk in 1944, document ...

Through the centuries, the river has shifted course as it searches for a shorter, steeper route to the Gulf. "So, it just meanders through South Louisiana trying to find the easiest course to get ...