Frank Visits Historical Cape Rock

On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, Frank and I decided to visit historical Cape Rock Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The park is located on a beautiful lookout point on the Mississippi River at 37.3 degrees latitude and -89.5 longitude. When we arrived, Frank and I looked over the Mighty Mississip' and watched a barge pass as we relaxed on a bench and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Across the river on the Illinois side, we had a wonderful view of Shawnee National Forest and the great river bluffs.

After Frank and I soaked up the sights and sounds of the river, we decided to get down to business. I had been to Cape Rock before, however, I had never really grasped the depth of the park's historical significance. Frank had never been here, and he was eager to find out some information. So, he and I searched the premises and were pleased to find a wealth of information on plaques and monuments in the park. According to the information, we found that Cape Rock Park was the point where a french soldier named Jean Baptiste Girardot established a trading post around 1733. This area was later identified as Cape Girardot in his name. A little over sixty years later, just north of the prominent rock cape, Louis Lorimier established the settlement with the help of Shawnee and Delaware Indians and renamed the area New Cape Girardeau. The rock monument that Frank and I are posing with was actually part of the original "overhang" or "cape" on the river that drew in settlers. It was salvaged after most of the original cape was outcropped during construction of the railroad.

Frank and I also found that Cape Rock Park was a stopping point for Lewis and Clark on their expedition up the Mississippi River. They had written accounts circa 1803 of "landing at the cape" and joining the founder of the settlement, Louis Lorimier, for supper. This very site of the park is said to be where Lewis and Clark camped.

Frank and I had a great time traveling together. Our total round trip was approximately 98 miles, and we enjoyed every bit of our little road trip! We also learned some interesting information about a historical town on the Mississippi River. We both encourage everyone to visit!

-Lindsey Breithaupt