The Mississippi River Valley is much, much older than many people think. Although it’s a relatively young valley carved by the waters of the Mississippi River, there’s evidence that humans have been living in its vicinity for around 11,600 years.
Archaeologists estimate that the first human inhabitants of the Mississippi Valley were living in the areas as early as 10,000 B.C. In the centuries that followed, early hunter-gatherer societies steadily populated the area, relying on the river for sustenance. It’s believed that these societies were involved in the domestication of plants which allowed them to settle in villages close to the river.
By 500 A.D. the Village of Cahokia had developed just east of modern day St. Louis, Missouri. It quickly grew to become the largest center of Native American life in North America, with an estimated population of 20,000 citizens at its peak. Parallel evolution occurred on the Eastern bank of the River where the community of Etowah Mounds in modern-day Georgia is said to have been the oldest and largest of its kind.
It was not until the post-Columbian period that the settlement of Native Americans in the Mississippi Valley increased significantly due to intercontinental trade. The Spanish colonizers came in contact with Natchez and Chickasaw tribes in 1541 and built a fort in 1542, establishing a trading post in the region. Since then, the colonization of the area has been constant, with the French, British and American powers eventually taking over the region until the present day.
In the 19th century, the Mississippi River became essential for the booming industrialization of the region, as it serviced many riverboats traveling in the area. This influx of people and trade resulted in the modern-day cities and towns that make up the region today.
Today the Mississippi River Valley region is known for its architecture, culture, music, food and art. There are cities and towns spread in both sides of the river, rich in history and culture that hold onto their past while looking towards the future.
The Americana Music Genre
The Mississippi River Valley is also seen as the birthplace of the Americana music genre. A blend of American folk, rock and country music, Americana music has been around since the early 20th century, although it gained popularity in the 1990s when bands such as the Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo rose to fame.
This genre of music has a strong connection to the mighty Mississippi and its deep cultural roots. It also has a different feel to it, slightly more stripped down and raw than most popular genres of the time. Its songs span a variety of topics including love and heartbreak, political standing, immigration and religious beliefs and has been an important part of the region’s cultural identity.
The music of the Mississippi River Valley is seen today as the heart of the American roots music scene and its influence is felt in the works of many modern musicians including the Avett Brothers, Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket and Jason Isbell.
The Mississippi Delta Blues
Another important musical genre to come out of the Mississippi River Valley region is the Mississippi Delta Blues. This style of music, developed in the region between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was the first truly American genre of music.
The Delta blues has a unique sound driven by acoustic guitars, harmonica and powerful vocals. Its foundation was laid by pioneers such as Charley Patton and Son House, who’s music embody the struggles, joys and sorrows of the African American people who worked in the agricultural industry in the region.
The genre quickly grew in popularity and was later embraced by international audiences. Its influence can be heard in the works of many modern artists and it has earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Visual Art Scene
The artistic scene in the Mississippi River Valley also has a long, rich history. From painting to photography and sculpture, a variety of media have been explored and developed by generations of artists.
Some of the most renowned visual artists to come out of the region are the painters Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood and Willem de Kooning. Their works capture the beauty and hardship of the region in an intimate way, creating vivid images of everyday life in the Mississippi River Valley.
More modern artists such as Chester Arnold, Mel Chin and Mary Lee Bendolph also continue to explore the region’s history and culture through their works.
Cultural Festivals
The vibrant culture of the Mississippi River Valley has been celebrated each year during cultural festivals. In the past, cultural festivals have been held at campsites, cotton fields and parks, featuring bands, vendors and food.
Among some of the most popular music festivals are the King Biscuit Festival, the Mississippi Blues Trail Festival, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington. These festivals bring together people of all ages so they can enjoy the traditional music, food and culture of the region.
The cultural festivals also serve to educate and enlighten people on the history and heritage of the Mississippi River Valley. Through these events, the modern generation can experience the life and music of the region in the same way it was enjoyed centuries ago.
Environmental Heritage
The history and culture of the Mississippi River Valley are deeply intertwined with the environmental aspects of the region. It has been shaped by the dynamic movements of the river as well as ecological changes over the years.
The flora and fauna of the area has also evolved over the centuries. Nowadays, the region is home to a variety of species of fish, birds and mammals. It is an important source of food and water, and serves as a critical ecosystem for many species.
Nowadays, the region is facing a range of environmental challenges, mostly related to the increase in human populations and pollution. Organizations such as American Rivers and the Nature Conservancy are working to protect and restore the river’s delicate balance. This includes restoring the river’s health and restoring its habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
The Mississippi River Valley is a region of many layers, with a deep history and an important environmental heritage. These are the foundations that helped to create the area as it is today, and that will continue to shape it for years to come.
