Set on the mighty Mississippi River is the classic American novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by the renowned author Mark Twain in 1884. This novel follows the iconic journey of the young, independent-minded Huckleberry Finn and his companion Jim, an escaped slave. The ultimate goal of their journey is to get to the free state of Missouri, however the duo must learn to maneuver the obstacles that the Mississippi throws their way.
“Twain’s Mississippi is a living river,” the late Garrison Keillor, writer and radio host, familiar with the power of the Mississippi’s poetic notes, said. If a journey into the Mississippi River were to be taken, readers would find a mysterious mist woven with its share of dreams, love and freedom.
“The appeal of Huck Finn is timeless and universal,” said writer and Mississippi river historian Kelli S. Larson. “Twain had the exceptional knack of connecting with generations across century, culture and gender.”
Twain’s novel is not only an entertaining piece of literature, but also a social commentary on life in late 19th century America. The novel not only explores the physical, psychological and spiritual journey down the river, it also dives into themes of race, family, freedom, and ultimately humanity. The characters face various trials along the way and readers find out who they become as they face all the ups and downs of the river, as well as the unique personalities they meet.
Today, just like it was then, the Mississippi River is an icon of American literature, culture, and history. Twain’s timeless book captures the beauty of the river and the characters whose lives it touches in ways like no other. Whether it’s for its history, for its significance, or simply to escape on Twain’s adventure, readers will find a myriad of experiences along the Mississippi.
History of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has a long and complex history of exploration, exploitation, and recreation. Settlers trace the Mississippi River’s banks as far back as 4000 B.C. The river has served as the economic, transportation and cultural spine of the region throughout its history, providing a source of food, sustenance, and healing for many different peoples.
For example, the Mississippian and Muskogean peoples were river-dwelling cultures that flourished along the Mississippi River in what is now the Southeastern United States.The Mississippi also served as the lifeline of the African Americans who were part of the Great Migration, escaping an oppressive past in the South to pursue economic opportunities in the North.
The river’s importance is answered today in Twain’s novel, in which Huck and Jim embark on a journey full of trials and tribulations. Two centuries past, travelers held the same level of reverence, mystery and adventure for the river.
From Keelboats and Mark Twain’s steamboat to today’s state-of-the-art river tugboats, the Mississippi River has seen many vessels. Its banks have served as a stage of important battlefields during the US Civil War, particularly along the Mississippi Campaign in the vicinity of Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Union forces defeated Confederate efforts to secure the strategic passage.
In the early 20th century, the river changed its course, something that happens periodically throughout its history. Today the Mississippi River is managed through various levee systems, providing a reliable source of navigation, water, and recreation opportunities.
Today’s Mississippi
Today, the Mississippi river is the second largest river system in the country. It stretches 2,340 miles through 10 states, beginning in Minnesota and ending in New Orleans, Louisiana. From its headwaters, the Mississippi River passes through five different states, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, before reaching St. Louis, Missouri.
At St. Louis, the river crosses over two more states, Arkansas and Mississippi, before entering the Gulf of Mexico at the state of Louisiana. Visitors to this region will discover many historic sites linked to the river’s past, including Native American civilizations, important battlefields from the US Civil War, and Mark Twain’s legendary journey aboard his steamboat.
The river also serves as an important shipping route for businesses in terms of goods, cargo, and supplies. It is particularly important to the transportation of grain and food supplies. The locks and dams established along the banks of the Mississippi River have improved transportation links and facilitated international trade.
The abundance of wildlife in the area also make the river an ideal destination for recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting, canoeing, swimming, and bird watching. The lower section of the Mississippi, from the Delta in Louisiana to the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, is a haven for migratory species.
The lower part of the delta is the home to several kinds of reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and is also a sanctuary for nearly 50 endangered species like the Louisiana black bear, the alligator, and the American bald eagle.
Environmental Impact
Despite being a revered source of beauty, recreation and transport, much of the bad press the Mississippi acquires is due to its pollution. During the past few decades, water pollution has been a major strain on the river. Runoffs from the agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as the use of herbicides and fertilizers, have caused pollution.
It is estimated that the area around the Mississippi River receives more than 14 million tons of sediment a year. This sediment, which is composed of sediment particles, rock and soil, comes from a variety of sources, including runoff from agricultural fields, erosion from logging operations, and discharges from human activity.
Excess nutrients from fertilizers and agricultural runoff can also be found in the river, leading to the production of algal blooms which block sunlight from reaching aquatic plant life and deplete oxygen from the waters, leading to massive fish kills. The Mississippi’s traditional natural system of traversing wetlands and lowlands has been altered due to the extensive building of levees. As a result, floods are becoming more frequent, threatening wildlife species such as the Louisiana black bear and the American bald eagle.
Conservation
To address these issues, research and conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the environment and its inhabitants. For example, efforts have been put in place to reduce soil erosion along the banks of the Mississippi. These efforts include the introduction of buffer strips and the use of terraces, which are areas of land that are maintained to reduce soil erosion.
In addition, wetlands have been restored to capture and hold sediment from flowing into the river. There is also a huge effort to reduce the amount of agricultural and industrial runoff in the river, such as the planting of native vegetation, the installation of filter systems, and the use of biodegradable and chemical-free products.
The federal government has also established numerous national wildlife refuges, to protect the habitat and species of the river. These refuges serve as the habitat for more than 700 species of plants and animals, including migratory waterfowl, migratory fish, and many rare, threatened, and endangered species.
River Tourism
In addition to its unique and valuable ecosystem, the Mississippi River is also incredibly popular among adventure seekers, with tourists flocking to the riverbanks to experience the river’s unique culture and landscape. There is no better way to experience this grand waterway than through the numerous river cruises that offer exclusive access to some of the most stunning and wild areas of the river.
These river cruises take travelers along iconic sights, such as the sunken steamboat Arabella and the magnificent Saint Louis Arch. These cruises offer guided educational tours, giving travelers insight into the history, culture, and environment of the Mississippi.
Adventure seekers also have many opportunities to explore the Mississippi River via kayaking and canoeing. From flourishing wetlands in the north to the Mississippi Delta in the south, more people are taking the opportunity to explore the areas along the banks of the Mississippi River. For a more extreme adventure, some thrill-seekers are even exploring the river via riverboarding.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and powerful rivers in the United States. From its historical, cultural and environmental significance to its recreational and economic value, the Mississippi River remains an integral part of the American experience. Twain’s classic novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, sheds light on the power and beauty of this integral American icon.
