The History Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, located near the American Midwest, is one of the most famous rivers on the planet. It is the longest river within the Americas and it has captivated the attention of civilizations, entrepreneurs, adventurers, and environmentalists since its discovery. From the ancient Louisiana natives to modern day regulators, the Mississippi River has been naively referred to as “Old Man river” and “The Father of Waters”. But who exactly named the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River was discovered around 1500-1600 by early Europeans. The river was first referred to by the ancient French explorer Jacques Cartier as Rivière des Pontchartrain. This name was eventually shortened to the current name of Mississippi, derived from the misstagging of an indigenous North American tribe. The remaining sources of the name are muddy, with some claiming that it is an Ojibwe term and others saying it is a named derived from the French.
The Mississippi’s Indigenous tribe at the time were the Moingwena or “People of the Great River”. The name of the great river was known as Me-Sipi amongst the Moingwena tribe long before European settlers arrived. In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi River. They labeled the great river as “Rivière des Messipi”, written on a document dated in 1681.
The Mississippi is also known as the Fourth River int the Bible. This phrase came from the words of pioneer and explorer Father Marquette roughly translated as “There are four great rivers which traverse this country”. This phrase can be found in Marquette’s Journey to Wisconsin in 1673.
The Mississippi River As A Cultural Icon
In addition to Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, the Mississippi River was first seen by Spanish Sailor Hernando De Soto and French Explorer Pierre-Charles Le Sueur. Across the centuries, the Mississippi River has inspired greats such as Mark Twain in his famous novel, Huckleberry Finn. The Mississippi has become an icon of literature and cultural production, in addition to being a powerful economic pathway rowing many different cultures together.
Because of its importance in communications and connectivity since the 19th century, the Mississippi has been called the “blood of America”, and has been the source of many songs in a variety of genres, from folk and blues to rock and roll. From the iconic “Old Man River” to James Taylor’s “Steamroller”, the Mississippi has been celebrated throughout the United States in music and literature for centuries.
The Mississippi River has been referred to by numerous other names throughout its long history, such as “The Big Muddy” and “The Father of Waters”. These titles all acknowledge the great power and importance of the river, and are a testament to her history.
Modern Day Usage Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the source of life to millions of people residing along its banks and tributaries. What used to be the main pathway of transportation and communication has now become the stage of modernity, powering industry and agriculture. As the 4th largest river in the world, its course has been altered multiple times over the centuries in order to increase efficiency, subsequently providing additional navigablelocks and flood control. The river’s course is now regulated by extensive levee systems as well as vast rigid channels.
The usage and commerce of the Delta area have seen great improvements over recent years, with vast cultivation of aquatic species such as alligators, shrimp, oysters, crabs, and catfish. Additionally, the Delta is the home of many indigenous species such as the American Alligator, American crocodile, coyote, and red-shouldered hawk.
As with most large waterways, the Mississippi River today supports numerous habitats for many different species of plants, animals, and birds. It is not only a great source of recreation, but an important economic resource as well. Products ranging from steel, barge fuel, riverboat products, and hydroelectricity are just some of the things that the river provides.
The Mississippi River As A Tourism Destination
The Mississippi River is a popular tourist destination for many travelers, offering a vast selection of activities and sights. Thousands of visitors flock to its shores every year, and the number continues to climb as more people discover the fascinating beauty of the river.
Popular activities along the Mississippi River include fishing and boating, as well as bird watching, wildlife photography, and sightseeing. There are also a number of resorts, campgrounds, and houseboat rentals available for those looking to relax and get away from their busy lives. Numerous historical monuments are also located along the river’s path, such as the Vicksburg National Military Park and the Delta Queen steamboat.
For those who want to explore the rich culture of the Mississippi River, there are several cities and towns located within the region that are full of interesting attractions and wonderful people. Whether it’s history or music, gaming or gastronomy, the Mississippi will be sure to fulfill any traveler’s desires.
The Social and Economic Impact of The Mississippi River
The cultural and economic impact of the Mississippi River is immense. It was an essential mode of transportation and communication during the 19th century and is still an integral conduit for shipping and transportation today. The Mississippi River is also the cornerstone of the agricultural industry in the region, providing a reliable source of water and nutrients for millions of people.
The Mississippi River has also been influential in shaping the economic growth of regional cities such as Chicago and St. Louis, with the river providing them with access to vital new markets. These cities in turn provide jobs and resources for people living in the surrounding area, in addition to delivering an enormous influx of tourism along the river’s stretches.
The Mississippi River is a powerful symbol of America, and of its people’s strengths. It has been a source of life and vitality, of recreation and communion. It has been home to some of the country’s greatest minds, from legendary authors to courageous entrepreneurs. It has been the lifeblood of many communities, and an enduring reminder of the power of nature and the ingenuity of mankind.
Environmental Preservation And Conservation Of The Mississippi River
Since the 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations have partnered to reduce pollution and other hazards in the Mississippi River. These efforts have resulted in improved water quality, reduced sedimentation, improved shorelines and aquatic habitats, and reduced impairment of wetlands along the river’s banks.
As the population living near the Mississippi River continues to grow, these preservation and conservation efforts are of great importance in maintaining the quality of life and environmental ecosystems in the area. This includes monitoring the effects of invasive species, ensuring fish health, and maintaining habitats for birds, fish and other wildlife through the partnership of public and private entities.
In recent years, advances in water treatment technology have allowed industries to make significant improvements in their practices, reducing the amount of contaminants and other pollutants that enter the Mississippi River. Additionally, new regulations have been imposed on industry to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions and their impacts on the river.
In addition to preserving the Mississippi River, organizations and individuals have committed to artificial wetland restoration programs, in order to replenish the natural wetlands that have been lost. These project also aid in education and conservation, as wetlands provide a safe and healthy habitat for many species of wildlife, plants and microorganisms.
