Three presentations on the history of the Mississippi River and its immense drainage basin.

The prize and pawn of empires: First film in the series on the history of the Mississippi River and its immense drainage basin. Traces the routes taken by Spain, France and England into the Mississippi Valley; discusses the wars involving the Mississippi River; and shows territorial expansion up to 1812.

Steamboat a-comin': Second program in a series on the history of the Mississippi River and its immense drainage basin. Traces the development and impact of steamboats on the Mississippi River, and highlights historical events of the period from 1811 to 1900. Describes the people who lived in the upper and lower regions of the Mississippi Valley during this era. Tells how the railroad ended the "glory days" of the steamboat. Uses drawings, photographs, live-action shots, and quotations from Mark Twain.

Ol' Man River and the 20th century: Third program in a series on the history of the Mississippi River and its immense drainage basin. Describes the Mississippi River and surrounding region as it is today, and highlights changes which took place in the area during the twentieth century. Tells about the Eads bridge, ferry boats, towboats, barges, locks, dams, flooding problems and flood control, and various cities on the shores of the Mississippi River. Uses maps, drawings, photographs, live-action shots, and aerial photography.