The River and John Neihardt: A Journey Along the Missouri

The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, has been a vital force in the history and culture of the Great Plains. Its waters have shaped the landscape, provided sustenance, and inspired countless stories and works of art. One of the most notable literary works inspired by the Missouri is John Neihardt's epic poem, "The River."

The River and I

by John G. Neihardt

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Published in 1915, "The River" is a sweeping narrative that follows the Missouri from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the Mississippi River. Neihardt's poem captures the grandeur and beauty of the river, as well as its environmental importance.

Neihardt's Journey Along the Missouri

Neihardt was born in Illinois in 1881, but he spent much of his life in Nebraska, where he developed a deep love for the Missouri River. In 1911, he embarked on a canoe journey along the river, from its headwaters in Montana to its mouth in Missouri. This journey provided him with the inspiration for "The River."

During his journey, Neihardt witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation that was taking place along the Missouri River. He saw how dams and other human activities were disrupting the river's natural flow and harming its ecosystem. This experience inspired him to write "The River" as a call to action to protect the river and its environment.

"The River": An Epic of Environmentalism

"The River" is widely hailed as one of the great American poems of the 20th century. It is a powerful and moving work that celebrates the beauty and grandeur of the Missouri River, while also sounding an alarm about its environmental degradation.

In "The River," Neihardt writes:

O River of the West, the winds have blown Across thy breast, and thou hast gathered strength, And thou hast gathered beauty as the years Have rolled along thy course; and thou art now A mighty flood, that sweeps in majesty Through the great plains, and down the forest slopes To meet the ocean in the distant South.

Neihardt's poem captures the beauty and power of the river, but it also highlights the threats that it faces. He writes of the dams that have been built on the river, the pollution that has fouled its waters, and the overgrazing that has damaged its banks.

"The River" is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our natural environment. It is a call to action to all of us to do our part to preserve the beauty and health of our rivers and other natural resources.

The Legacy of John Neihardt

John Neihardt died in 1973, but his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the great American poets of the 20th century, and "The River" is considered one of his most important works.

Neihardt's work has inspired countless people to appreciate the beauty and importance of the Missouri River. He has also helped to raise awareness of the environmental challenges that the river faces.

In 1999, the Missouri River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. This designation helps to protect the river's natural beauty and ecological integrity. It is a fitting tribute to John Neihardt and his work to protect the Missouri River.

The Missouri River is a national treasure. It is a river of beauty, history, and environmental importance. John Neihardt's poem, "The River," is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our rivers and other natural resources.

Let us all work to ensure that the Missouri River and other rivers like it continue to flow freely for generations to come.