What is the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, spanning from Minnesota and flowing south to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is the source of countless stories, adventures, and dreams, with its smooth waters providing respite to weary travelers and prosperous barges. It is also the home to numerous species of fish, plants, and wildlife, many of which depend on its waters to survive. It’s no wonder, then, that the Mississippi River has been taken as a symbol of the American spirit and a source of inspiration.
Where did the Name Mississippi Come From?
The word “Mississippi” is derived from the Anishinaabe (or Algonquin) word for “Great River”— Messipi. According to legend, the name dates back to when an Algonquin explorer paddled down the river and asked an Ojibwa man, “What is this river?” The Ojibwa man replied, “Mississippi.” The Anishinaabe, who lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of Europeans, are thought to be the first group to refer to the river by its current name.
Why Was the Mississippi Named After the Anishinaabe?
The first Europeans to visit and record the river did so in the late 16th century, and they kept the name that the Anishinaabe had given it. This suggests that they respected the Native Americans who lived in the area and honored the name they had given the river. Other explanations for why the Europeans kept the name can be found in the river’s power and potential for transportation. The Europeans may have chosen to honor the original name as a sign of their respect for the Anishinaabe.
The Impact of Name “Mississippi”
The name Mississippi has since come to represent much more than just a river. It has been used to refer to the land where the Anishinaabeg lived, and it has also been used to refer to the entire state of Mississippi. It has now become a widely known symbol of the United States and has been used in various ways, from literature to art to music.
What the Mississippi River Means to People
For many, the Mississippi River serves as a reminder of the importance of following the will of natural forces, as well as the importance of honoring cultural history. The Native Americans’ reverence for the river was matched by the Europeans who named it; this spirit of respect and appreciation of both the natural and the cultural world is one that is still felt when looking at the Mississippi today.
What a Symbol for American Spirit
Beyond representing a respect for nature and honoring cultural history, the Mississippi River also serves as a symbol of the American spirit of democracy and unity. Its free-flowing waters, its wide variety of wildlife, and the potential of its riverbanks have inspired travelers and adventurers for centuries. No matter where one begins their journey along the Mississippi, they will always be moving in the same direction, as an embodiment of the American spirit.
How it Shaped the Political-Economy
The Mississippi River has also been a major factor in shaping the political and economic landscape of the United States. Its power has been harnessed by powerful steamboats and barges, making the Great River’s waters the foundation of an entire transportation infrastructure. It has also earned a number of nicknames over the years, from the “Father of Waters” to the “Mighty Mississippi.”
Establishing New Settlements
The Mississippi also served as the basis for how many new settlements were established in the early American period. Its importance for transportation and commerce pushed many early settlers to the banks of the river, and its influence can still be largely seen in the cities of the American Midwest. From Memphis to St. Louis, the Mississippi River has shaped the landscape of what would become the United States.
Waterway of Opportunity
The Mississippi River has evolved and changed over time, but its importance remains the same— providing a vital waterway of opportunity. Today, the Mississippi continues to offer refuge, respite, and adventure to travelers and has inspired countless stories, songs, and dreams. As a remnant of a time long gone and a link to a time of possibility, the Mississippi River is truly a symbol of the American spirit.
