The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was the most destructive river flood in the history of the United States. It turned out also to be a major impetus for the Great Migration of southern African Americans to the north. The flood inundated roughly 27,000 square miles of land and displaced some 700,000 persons. Property damage was estimated at $400 million, and 246 people died in the flood waters. Particularly hard hit by the disaster was the Mississippi Delta region.
African-American flood refugees stand in line at Birdsong Camp,
Cleveland, Mississippi, April 29, 1927
Birdsong Camp at Cleveland, Mississippi, April 29, 1927.
Flood refugees sitting at tables eating.
Greenville, Mississippi, April 30, 1927
Greenville, Mississippi, April 30, 1927
Leland, Mississippi, May 1, 1927