{"id":10699,"date":"2023-11-11T07:45:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-11T06:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=10699"},"modified":"2023-11-11T07:45:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T06:45:13","slug":"how-was-the-mississippi-river-named","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/how-was-the-mississippi-river-named\/","title":{"rendered":"How Was The Mississippi River Named"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mythological Origins<\/h2>\n

It is said that the Mississippi River was named after a mythical Indian chief called Mee-zee-wee-se-pe. He is said to have been very powerful and was celebrated in songs and tales in the native American culture. In the stories, he was usually painted as a giant with a long flowing hair who vanquished his enemies with just a glance. The legends further describe the chief as a sky god whose roar could alter the atmosphere and cause the sky to darken. Despite these mythical origins, there is no concrete evidence of Mee-zee-wee-se-pe existing in reality.<\/p>\n

Historical Claims<\/h2>\n

It is believed that the historical name of Mississippi is derived from the French expression “messipi” which transaltes to “big river”. The name was given by the French explorers in 1699. It is noteworthy to mention that during the same period the French had other settlements in various parts of America. Its name was also derived from the Ojibwa word which meant “great river”. Mississippi is also derived from a Sioux word which means “bloody water” or “river of tears”.
\nIt is unclear how exactly how the river was named. Many say that it was simply an adaptation of the Native American language, which might mean something completely different from what it does today. Other believe that the French explorers named the river after the mythical chief Mee-zee-wee-se-pe. Despite all these different interpretations, the most accepted definition of Mississippi is in its literal sense; “big river”.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River Today<\/h2>\n

The modern Mississippi River is the largest river system in the United States, flowing from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the primary water source for the 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The river travels 2,350 miles and drains an area of nearly 1,245,000 miles. The Mississippi is considered the fourth longest river in the world and the tenth most powerful in the world.
\nThe Mississippi River has shaped American life for centuries, providing employment for millions of people working on the riverboats, as deckhands and captains. It also gave trade and transport opportunities for entrepreneurs to access markets in different parts of the country.
\nThe river is a major source of drinking water and irrigation, it is also a vital place for recreational activities such as fishing and canoeing, nature watching and sailing. It is also a major habitat for wildlife, particularly for bird species during their migration seasons.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has had a profound influence on the environment. The development of cities, industry and agriculture have had an immense impact on the hydrology of the Mississippi River. The river has been subject to numerous forms of pollution such as oil spills, hazardous chemicals, and untreated sewage. Consequently, large parts of the river now contain excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous caused by farming practices, industrial runoff and waste, as well as other pollutants.
\nThe river is also affected by the presence of excessive sediment which can suffocate aquatic life, interfere with navigation and negatively affect both the aquatic and human habitat. The sediment is primarily derived from soil erosion along the riverbanks and the high rate of sedimentation caused by activities such as dams, channelization and flood control measures.<\/p>\n

Economic Impact<\/h2>\n