Council Bluffs, IA - Major flooding events along the Missouri River have significantly altered its channel over the years, reshaping the landscape and the Iowa-Nebraska border. Two notable floods in the late 19th century gave rise to Carter Lake in 1877 and Lake Manawa in 1881. These changes not only transformed the region’s geography but also sparked heated legal disputes between the two states. Carter Lake stands out as one of the rare places where the Iowa-Nebraska border deviates from the Missouri River, leading to a prolonged legal battle over state jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Lake Manawa became a recreational hotspot that had land claims by both Iowa and Nebraska.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Council Bluffs Public Library will host a program exploring this unique piece of Iowa-Nebraska history and geography. Troy Stolp of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County will present on the battle between Iowa and Nebraska over both Carter Lake and Lake Manawa.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit our website at: https://www.councilbluffslibrary.org/event/adult-program-15288
Event Details
When: Monday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA - Meeting Room B
Who: Best suited for those 18 and up.
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