CIVIL WAR BATTLE MARKERS ERECTED

NEW MADRID - The observation deck on the Mississippi River at New Madrid affords a good view of the river at one of its widest points and a look at the spot where the town stood before the massive earthquakes of 1811-1812.

And, as of this week, visitors can also find out about a pair of Civil War battles fought in the area.

On Tuesday the Missouri Department of Natural Resources placed a glass fibre sign on the deck commemorating the Siege of New Madrid and the Battle of Island No. 10.

Officials said the battles were pivotal because the river was heavily used for troop movements.

Delecia Huitt, of the DNR's Mississippi River Historic District, said the sign is the fourth of 50 to be placed throughout the state commemorating civil war battles.