Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and Music City of the U.S.A., lies along the Cumberland River and its many tributaries.
But does it have a direct connection with the mighty Mississippi River? It is true that the Mississippi River flows through Tennessee, and there were two historical rivers that did pass through Nashville. However, the most important of them was the Red River, which has since been diverted.
In its original course, the Red River started near Lebanon, Tennessee and meandered southwards until it ended up joining the Cumberland near modern-day Downtown Nashville. The mouth of the Red River was located just north of the historic Fort Nashborough and was adjacent to the first ferry built between both sides of the river in Nashville. The Red River offered access to some of the earliest settlers of Nashville.
Historical records indicate that the Red River had a short life. At around 1836, the construction of a dam on the Red River was completed. The dam, built by the Tennessee State government, was called the Crutchfield Dam, and it redirected much of the river’s waters towards other parts of the state. This new course was diverted east of Nashville and eventually the Red River dried up.
The other historical river that once connected Nashville to the Mississippi was the Stones River. This river starts in Murfreesboro and eventually flows where the Red River once did, through Nashville. The Stones River’s mouth eventually connected to the Cumberland right next to Fort Nashborough.
The Stones River connected a few settlements in Tennessee and Kentucky, but it is believed that the river was too shallow to really be seen as a way of connecting Nashville to the rest of the state and, thus, to the Mississippi.
Today, the Red River and the Stones River have both long been dried up, and Nashville is no longer directly connected to the Mississippi. The Cumberland is merely a tributary of the great river, falling in at Harpeth near Clarksville, to the east of Nashville.
The Economic Impact of the River
Given the importance of rivers for human life and navigation, it’s important to also consider the economic impact of the River. The Mississippi River is an integral part of the US economy. It is a major transportation route and a direct connector of America’s heartland to the ocean. It is believed that a significant portion of US agricultural and industrial output is transported to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean via the Mississippi River. While Nashville may be connected indirectly, it is not as connected to the river’s economic potential.
The importance of the Mississippi is further highlighted by the fact that its total estimated basin value is more than two hundred billion dollars each year. The yearly value and activity of navigation, navigation infrastructure, water supply, flood control, and hydropower, combined with the value of recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and aquaculture is tremendous.
However, due to the variation of the flows and the accuracy of the estimates, it is almost impossible to access the economic impact of the river within Nashville city limits. What is certain though, is that with its indirect connection, the city does benefit from the river in certain economic activities related to transportation, industry and tourism.
Environmental Impact of the River
The Mississippi is part of a larger watershed that encompasses almost 40 percent of the land area of the United States. This watershed begins in Wyoming, and runs through 10 states before reaching the end of its basin in Saint Louis, Missouri. With its enormity, the Mississippi River affects massive swathes of the United States, including the Nashville area.
The river has historically suffered from human intervention and alterations, leading to degradation of the environment. Pollution has been particularly rampant despite several clean up initiatives. The contaminated waters make the river largely unsuitable for providing drinking water, as well as limiting the growth of vegetation and thriving forms of animal life.
The ecosystem of the Mississippi has also been greatly diminished due to certain economic activities. Over fishing, for example, has caused the near disappearance of certain species of fish. In addition, deforestation and other land use changes are having a huge effect on the region.
It is true that the Mississippi River does not directly flow through Nashville, but that doesn’t mean that Nashville isn’t affected by it. These effects can be both positive and negative, but the undeniable truth is that Nashville is linked to the river in many ways.
Historical Significance of the River
The Mississippi River has been an integral part of the history of the United States since the earliest days of European contact. The river has served as an important transportation route and has been the centerpiece of many important episodes in US history. It was a major source of food for the native American populations of the region, as well as an important trading waterway.
From the steamboats of the 1800s to the modern tugboats, barges, and other river craft that are still used to carry essential fuels and commodities along the Mississippi, the river has had a lasting impact on US transportation and travel.
The Mississippi is also considered a major cultural landmark that has been the subject of numerous books, films, and songs. In Nashville, country and blues music regularly reference the Mississippi and its importance in the history of the United States.
The stories of steamboats traveling down the river, the incredible journeys of runaway slaves, and the tales of hardship of the river’s inhabitants are some of the most powerful stories America has to offer, and there is no doubt that the influence of the Mississippi is still felt in Nashville.
The Cultural Significance of the River
The Mississippi River has a deep cultural significance for many American communities. The river has been an inspiration for numerous artists throughout its history, from Mark Twain’s classic tales to John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath.”
The river has also been featured in poetry, music, and art, with works such as “And the Band Played On,” Mississippi John Hurt’s “Spike Drivers Blues,” “Gentle on My Mind,” and Thomas Hart Benton’s “Riverbend” all featuring the river in some way.
More recently, the Mississippi has also been the subject of documentaries, as well as the subject of numerous books, articles, and other media.
In Nashville, the Mississippi has a strong influence on the city’s culture and music. As the home of blues and country music, the city has a deep and intimate relationship with the river. Its influence can be seen in the music of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and other iconic musicians.
Although the Red River and the Stones River have both dried up and the Mississippi does not directly flow through Nashville, the cultural and economic impact of the river cannot be ignored. Nashville is still deeply connected to the Mississippi, and its influence will almost certainly continue for generations to come.
