Postcard showing a photo of Flood Scenes Battle Creek, Mich. Michigan Central R.R. Crossing, Jefferson Ave., N. Battle Creek experienced major flooding in the downtown area in 1887, 1896, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1918, and 1947. By the mid-1950's local leaders worked with the federal government to vacate properties in the flood-prone neighborhood southwest of downtown Battle Creek known as "the bottoms." By 1954 a coalition of local industries and foundations and the federal government was formed to clear housing in the Bottoms. Work began with the Army Core of Engineers on the "Cement River Project" to straighten the Kalamazoo River and channel it so that it no longer could flood the downtown area or displace homeowners.