The literal lay of the land down on the Mississippi River has changed.

The behemoth that pulled into the Natchez-Adams County Port Monday will move again — further up river — but it is already a part of our landscape.

Months of land work just south of the bridge paved the way for the new Grand Soleil Casino, but the boat makes things real.

And whether you support gaming or not, the three-deck boat is a sure sign that business is growing in Natchez.

For years, we’ve talked of a second casino. And most of us doubted we’d ever really see it.

But it’s here, and it is only a matter of months before the boat opens its doors for business.

City and business leaders were on hand Monday to welcome the boat ashore, and rightly so. They know what the signs of progress look like and they realize the impact such progress could have on our community.

Like the skyscrapers in big cities, a change in landscape is a sign of the times, a symbol of economy.

We hope the future brings great communication and cooperation between the City of Natchez and the Grand Soleil.