This is my site for "The Great Mississippi Water fall" . Everything on this site was conceived and created by me.
In early 2003, I heard about the Memphis Riverfront Commission's request for proposals for an "Iconic" structure to be constructed at the intersection of Beale Street and the Mississippi River. Something similar to the Saint Louis Arch, or the Eiffel Tower, which would be an icon for Memphis and draw tourist from around the world. I didn't think much about it at first, but at some point I got the idea of constructing a waterfall. To my knowledge, there is no waterfall on the big muddy, south of Minnesota. Wouldn't it be neat to be able to boast of having the only waterfall on the Mississippi in the south! So using a 3D design program called Sketchup, I started playing with different designs.
After some research on the web, I discovered the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi is Fall Creek Falls in east Tennessee, which is 256 feet from top to bottom. My design is 257 ' tall, purposely making it the tallest waterfall east of big muddy (note: I have since discovered there are 8 falls taller than this. In 2003 there was no wikipedia. see this link). There is an observation tower on the top accessed by an exterior elevator on the south side and stairs on the interior. A series of transparent Archimedes screws would transport water to the top. Also, a torch is located on the top. This incorporates water, wind and fire into the design.
Unfortunately, my design was not chosen by the judges, but I did receive some wonderful feedback. Personally I was disappointed by the winning submission as I don't see it as "Iconic" at all. Here is the link to the Memphis River Front-Beale Landing Site. Tell me what you think about it.
Wes
