As a symbol and
in reality, the Mississippi is deeply rooted in America’s
vision of itself. For centuries, the river has been the
lifeblood of the country, serving and inspiring its people.
The permanent exhibit – Louisiana and the Mighty
Mississippi River – explores the unique legacy
of this famous waterway.
The roles played
by the Mississippi in the evolution of the U. S. are many:
the river is integrally linked to progress in commerce,
technology and culture. At the heart of this history is
the story of transportation – a tale of wealth, romance
and adventure associated particularly with this state. Early
Louisiana was a strange mix of raucous frontier life and
European sophistication. These contrasting elements, reflected
in a rough-hewn 1840 pirogue and views of New Orleans as
a cosmopolitan capital, set the stage for the exhibition.
