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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The Old River Control began its operations in what year?
(a) 1963.
(b) 1917.
(c) 1931.
(d) 1988.

2. The author mentions that when he met Rabalais, he wore what in his pocket?
(a) Checkered bandana.
(b) Red bandana.
(c) Silver pocket watch.
(d) Gold pocket watch.

3. After the U.S. Army Corps takes control of the Atchafalaya, Old Cajun bayou life is:
(a) Diminished.
(b) Lost.
(c) Enriched.
(d) Renewed.

4. What does the 1927 flood in Louisiana teach officials about levees?
(a) They work beautifully.
(b) They make the flooding problem worse.
(c) More need to be constructed faster.
(d) They need to be built taller.

5. Congress mandates that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey the Mississippi and tributaries in order to assure and improve what?
(a) Inland navigation.
(b) Water rights.
(c) Farmland irrigation.
(d) Aquatic recreation.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a conversation between General Sands and Oliver Houck on a floating conference boat, what does the General remind Houck regarding the vital role of the U.S. Army Corps?

2. A navigation lock on the bank of the Mississippi River lowers ships down to where?

3. Atchafalaya is a what?

4. The author notes that many regard the Old River Project as what?

5. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers distributes Atchafalaya river water to swamps, bayous, towns, and cities in:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author state that ever since the Corps took control of the Atchafalaya, the river's name means "collision" to him?

2. Explain how the Mississippi River forms Louisiana over many centuries.

3. What are some of the predominant problems in the regions populated near the Atchafalaya and Mississippi rivers?

4. Describe some of the challenges New Orleans faces because of its geographical location.

5. Explain what the author says about Old Cajun bayou life in the Atchafalaya region after the Corps took control.

6. Name some of the companies and industries that are attracted to the regions in and around Baton Rouge and New Orleans as these communities develop.

7. What is the goal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with regards to the Atchafalya and Mississippi rivers?

8. In 1927, what happened to the region of the Mississippi River during the great flood?

9. What are some of the main points the author tries to make through this work of historical nonfiction?

10. In the 1700s, why did people settle in New Orleans and surrounding areas despite the region clearly being a floodplain?

(see the answer keys)

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