Downstreamers: Public Health and Relationships on the Missouri River

Abstract

The Progressive Era saw tremendous growth in the Midwest. Immigration, migration, and economic development resulted in urban areas along the Missouri River like Sioux City; Omaha; St. Joseph; Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis. Gathering water from states as diverse as Montana and Missouri, the Missouri River watershed carried wastes from a diverse economy that included agriculture, packing plants, milling, and manufacturing. The Missouri and its tributaries not only flushed waste but also provided the drinking water for this fast-growing population. During the Progressive Era, pollution pressures on the river reached critical mass, prompting concern among citizens, sanitarians, and public health officials. Two definitions of the Missouri River emerged in the Progressive Era: I call them the Economic River and the Healthy River. These definitions never materialized, but the visions were significant. Historians have given the Eco? nomic River substantial attention; the Healthy River has received less notice. By looking at three progressive organizations?the Kansas City Commercial Club, the Missouri River Sanitary Conference, and the Missouri Valley Pub? lic Health Association?the Missouri River and public health issues will be used to examine regionalism. In an 1885 speech given at the Missouri River Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, a navigation supporter boastfully proclaimed that the Mis? souri River held the healthiest water in the world. As the river tumbled and rolled from the mountains, filled with sand and gold dust, he reasoned that its