Carroll Island Mississippi River Pirates - Vicinity St.. Louis
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 29.108 W 090° 16.270
15S E 738017 N 4263172
Island in Mississippi River about five miles south of St. Louis was the hangout of river pirates in 1890's
Waymark Code: WM69EH
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 04/27/2009
Views: 8
From the New York Times August 12, 1894:
RIVER PIRATES WOUNDED.
Attacked by a Party of Skiffs from St. Louis -- Forty Shots Exchanged.
ST. LOUIS, Mo., Aug. 12. -- Fiive miles south of the city limits lies Carroll's Island, the resort of river pirates, who do o little ostensible fishing to cover their crimes. Recent raids by these men have arroused the citizens of the lower suburbs, and at 6:30 P.M. today an expedition in skiffs attacked the stronghold.
About forty shots were fired upon the landing party without effect. The fire was returned after the invaders landed.
Two of the pirates were mortally wounded and carried off under fire. The attacking party withdrew.
When the invaders returned to Quarantine one of the boat crews containing seven men were arrested. George Meys and his son, Rudolph, led this party. They are in jail.
The island is neutral ground. and the Commander of Jefferson Barracks will disperse the thieves.
Checking Mississippi River Map 98 it is found that Carroll Island is directly south of I-255 and is best viewed from the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. Carroll Island is undeveloped and not open for access.