The Mississippi River: A Proper Noun for a Mighty Rivers?
The Mississippi River, known simply as the “Mississippi” or “the-big-Muddy” to generations of Americans, is one of the world’s longest, most powerful, and most important rivers. Spanning a full 2,340 miles from its source in Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and winding on south to the Gulf of Mexico, touching 10 states in total, the Mississippi has for centuries been home to nations of people, served as a superhighway for commercial transport and played a prominent role in the history and culture of the United States.
The Mississippi is also home to an incredible array of wildlife and indigenous vegetation, making it an essential piece of the nation’s ecological stability. From sturgeon and paddlefish to eagles and osprey, more than 350 species of fish, mammals and birds make their home in and around the mighty Mississippi, providing a vital food source for America’s people and wildlife.
So in a phrase, what would the proper adjective for this mighty river be?
To many, if not most, the Mississippi is considered part of the national identity and as such is lovingly referred to as “our big, muddy river”. Indeed, many Americans invoke a spirit of patriotism when they refer to the mighty Mississippi, and often use terms like “beloved” or “majestic” to describe the river and its place in the collective imagination.
Others might appropriately call it “mighty” or “powerful” due to its considerable size and its role in global commerce and the environment. In the early 1800s, it was referred to as the “Father of Waters”, a testament to its critical role in transportation and providing life sustaining waters to the combatants of the Civil War.
No matter how it is characterized, the Mississippi River is an indelible part of the American identity, as well as a vital part of the nation’s ecology and its economy. Its presence in the lives of those who live near it is nearly omnipresent and its influence can be felt in myriad ways. How then, do we describe the mighty Mississippi? The answer is unique to each speaker, but ultimately the proper adjective for this mighty river is “epic” in its scope, vital in its importance and everlasting in its legacy.
Native Tribes and Their Connection With the Mississippi River
Native tribes have a deep and long history living, travelling and fishing along the Mississippi River and its many tributaries. This history has been one of both cultural and economic exchange, with many tribes adopting European goods, crops and technologies while imparting to the riverside settler’s indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship skills.
Of course, beyond this long-standing symbiotic relationship lies a sense of ancient spiritualism and an unbreakable bond between these tribal communities and the river. To this day, the Mississippi holds a deeply spiritual place in the hearts and minds of these tribal communities, being regarded as an ever-flowing mother, provider and protector. Such spiritual connection is evidenced in everything from the names of the streams and lakes of the Mississippi basin to the elaborate stories of creation.
This profound relationship with the river has also been expressed to great effect through the medium of art. From the traditional drums, masks and totems of the Choctaw, the story-telling and intricate beadwork of the Siouan to the pottery and basket-making of the Seminole, the artwork of these native tribes encapsulate the bond between the Mississippi and its people and offer clues as to how this bond might be maintained long into the future.
At the heart of these relationships is mutual respect. Even today, Native American tribes who reside along the river’s banks maintain ongoing traditions and practices of sustainable fishing and farming in order to care for the land which gives them life.
In this way the proper adjective of the Mississippi could encompass its spiritual connection, ecological consciousness and sustianablity alongside its storied past and physical power.
The Mississippi in the 21st Century
Today, the Mississippi remains as powerful and inspiring a force as ever. The river, and its hundreds of tributaries and libraries across 10 states, continues to be a commercial thoroughfare for goods and serves to support the habitats of the area’s wildlife. It is also a source of water for millions of American households, providing an essential service for communities from coast to coast.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the 21st century Mississippi River is its restoration. After centuries of abuse at the hands of industry and settlers alike, conservationists and private citizens have begun to restore the river back to health. This is most evident in the The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, one of the largest river system restoration projects in the United States.
Much of the success of this project can be attributed to public-private partnerships and volunteer efforts, which have seen thousands of citizens come together to help restore and protect their beloved river. From planting native vegetation and constructing rock beds to rebuilding indigenous species populations, efforts to revive the Mississippi have seen incredible success.
As well as helping to foster a sense of stewardship in the local community, this river restoration has also attracted the attention of international bodies and organisations, such as the United Nations Developmental Program, which has recognised the Mississippi’s plight and environmental importance.
From this perspective, the Mississippi could be seen employing the proper adjectives of ‘invigorating’ and ‘resilient’ in its resurrection and ongoing survival.
The Use of the Mississippi In Popular Culture
The Mississippi River has long been a source of inspiration for poets and songwriters, with generations of folk-singers, novelists, playwrights and poets writing about the river, the people and their connection to it. From William Faulkner’s vivid descriptions of “the lonesome sound in the dusk” of the Mississippi Night to Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach” about his inner turmoil as he cast his gaze upon the lapping waters of the English Channel, the Mississippi has served to ignite the creative genius of countless writers.
The same is true for musicians, with the river being the subject of countless songs, from rock and roll classics such as “The Mississippi Queen” (Mountain) to blues anthems including “Hoodoo Man Blues” (Junior Wells) to modern country hits such as “Strawberry Wine” (Deana Carter). Throughout, the Mississippi has provided both substance and story for songs of all styles, weaving its way into popular culture around the world.
More recently, the tech-age has brought the Mississippi into the public consciousness, with countless websites and blogs dedicated to life along the river and its tributaries. From outdoor enthusiast’s sites offering tips and advice on exploring the river to tour guides for hire, to documentary films and even river themed mobile phone apps, the Mississippi has become a truly global phenomenon.
As such, the Mississippi might be appropriately referred to as ‘inspiring’ in reflection of its ability to capture the imaginations of generations.
The Long Term Impacts of the Mississippi River
The impacts of the Mississippi River reach far beyond the shores of the U.S. It is a source of inspiration for people all around the world, and is a testament to how human beings and nature can co-exist in a sustainable way.
But despite its cultural and ecological importance, the river is facing a number of threats. Chief among these are pollution and climate change, which together are catastrophically affecting the health of the Mississippi and its inhabitants. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial sources is leading to increased levels of harmful toxins, while rising temperatures are reducing the flow of the river, disrupting migratory patterns and leading to a decline in fish stocks.
The threat is further compounded by increasing levels of sedimentation, leading to the Mississippi’s waters becoming both shallower and slower moving, making it more vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought. Taken together, these effects could be devastating for the river and its people.
As such, the Mississippi could aptly be labelled ‘endangered’, and a proposal for the maintenance and protection of the river must be taken absolutely critically.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Change
The Mississippi River is and always has been an integral part of the American identity. It is an entity of great importance, both to American culture, its ecology and its economy.
It may be called “our big, muddy river” or referred to as “mighty” or “powerful”, with the proper adjective being ultimately up to each individual. But when looked at in its entirety, the Mississippi is indeed a masterpiece of epic proportions, a force of unparalleled power, an enduring icon of cultural heritage and a bridge between past and present.
The river is an ever-changing system, and it is essential that we stay abreast of the situation and work together to restore and protect it. The Mississippi is worth fighting for, and through the efforts of its people and those around the world, we may be able to fulfil its destiny as a true and lasting legacy.
