JPHS President Bill Mulligan reported on a very successful meeting on Saturday, November 3rd for the Jackson Purchase Historical Society. Reelfoot Lake State Park is at the western edge of our service area, but a very good turn out. Lots of familiar faces; lots of new people, too. David Hayes discussed the early history of the region and its development after the lake was formed. For those who do not know, Reelfoot Lake was formed by the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811 -12, estimated to have been more powerful than any earthquake ever in North America. A thirty-foot upthrust of the earth — not only created the lake, but caused the Mississippi to run backward for several days. There is more, but read David’s book or one of the others for details. His presentation was thorough, methodical, and persuasive (he’s a former prosecutor) but also riveting. After a break for lunch — many enjoyed an excellent local restaurant, Boyette’s — we took a boat tour of the lake — saw the uplift and other natural features and also saw herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, eagles, a large turtle, and more.
Jackson Purchase Historical Society
