A map from 1916 of the United States showing the cities where the government maintained flood stations at the time. "Reservoirs to hold back flood waters have been proposed, but their construction would be very expensive. The Weather Bureau keeps flood stations on the Ohio River, the Mississippi, and many other rivers, to warn people of the rising of the waters, so that they can guard against damage to shipping, wharves, buildings, and crops." - Brigham and McFarlane, 1916, p. 117.