Doniphan has held several monikers throughout its 159-year history.
'Cross Tie Capital.' 'Float Trip Capital.' 'Gateway To The Ozarks.'
Through changing times, the small town on the banks of a scenic river has kept its role as a county seat, business hub and good place to live.
No change ever came faster nor presented more challenges than the historic flood of April 30 - May 2, 2017.
Beginning around dawn on a quiet Sunday morning, within 36 hours the Current River had smashed all previous records. The crest of 33.13 feet was more than 6.5 feet higher than the previous record.
Nearly a year later the longterm recovery continues. New locations for city hall along with a few businesses and a landmark church remain in the works.
Most businesses were back in operation within two weeks to six months. Downtown Doniphan was the hardest hit with more than 40 businesses affected in varying degrees.
"Our businesses are coming back and our community has pulled together," said April Black.
Black is the administrative assistant for the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. She oversees some of the community's largest events such as the Fourth Of July celebration at Riverfront Park and the Labor Day homecoming parade.
"There's a lot to do in Doniphan," she said. "And we always are looking for new events.
Many of those events center around the riverfront. In late September, the first 'rock-skipping' championships on the Current River and a 'River Rat' regatta are set to debut.
The chamber also has increased its role helping local residents find jobs. Hiring events bringing together employers and applicants were successful in the past two years and continue to grow.
"We had 133 people who were hired in 2017, which was up from 100 in 2016," Black said. "Our goal this year is to see that number grow to 150."
Those efforts combined with job growth in neighboring communities such as Poplar Bluff and Pocahontas, Ark., continue to keep the economic future bright for Ripley County.
Local jobs center around timber, farming, light manufacturing, schools, health care, government agencies, retail stores and services.
As technology dramatically affects everyday jobs, Doniphan's and Ripley County's future moniker very well could unfold as a bedroom community, scenic outdoor playground and a relaxing, low-cost place to call home.
Some of those trends already are visible in the housing market.
In January, Poplar Bluff Realty opened a full-time office in Doniphan staffed by three hometown agent/brokers.
"Most people that were flooded are rebuilding or buying something else," said Ben Craig with Poplar Bluff Realty.
The number of families and retirees wanting to move to Ripley County appears to be steady.
"A lot of them work in Poplar Bluff but they want to live here," Craig said.
Interest in river property through the early part of 2018 remains strong.
"People are buying cabins and looking at river property earlier this year than even three or four years ago," he said.
Those who directly make a living along the river show no signs of giving up.
Rocky River Resort on the downtown riverfront was covered to the rooftops at the flood's peak. But when the first day of summer arrived in June, it well was business as usual while repair crews still were repairing a roof on the campground showers.
"We had a slow start last season but once we got up and running we actually caught up for the year," said Jason Setter, general manager at Rocky River, which also operates the city's two largest motels.
Cleanup efforts by the U.S. Forest Service and many volunteers have the lower Current ready for a new season.
"We expect the river to be in good shape for floating this year," said Setter. "All the clean up efforts were amazing. It's hard to tell now that (the flood) happened."
During the summer, local float outfitters like Rocky River draw thousands of customers primarily within a 4-5 hour radius that includes Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. A few occasionally come from as far away as Canada and Europe.
U.S. Highway 160 is designated as a scenic route by the AAA Auto Club. Doniphan is well located as a resting place for travelers. Guests also are pleased by lodging prices that are around 30 percent less than many other areas.
"Doniphan isn't closed, we're still here and feel like we have great things to offer for our residents and guests," said April Black.