Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island, Memphis
The Mississippi River Museum in Memphis, TN, is located at the Mud Island River Park, 125 North Front St. This Museum presents a history of the origin of the peoples living in the Mississippi River area.
The miracle of science has dated some of the artifacts displayed at the museum as far back as 10,000 years, as well as Native American tools, pottery, and Trade Goods. Early European explorers left behind military equipment and maps in the area, and imported goods, pioneer utensils and tools, and glass, china, and textiles were also left by early settlers of the Mississippi River and Mud Island area.
Four of the galleries in the Mississippi River Museum are dedicated to detailing the evolution of transportation on the river showcasing the earliest canoes, to steamboats, to the modern day diesel towboats. More efficient vessels navigating the Mississippi River led to huge economic changes and an important role in the development of trade routes and growth of river bound cities. A few items displayed in these galleries include boat building tools, boat models, cargo, Victorian furniture, Pilot house equipment, and towboat Pilot house.
The Riverfolk gallery at the Mississippi River Museum displays important characters of Mississippi's past, the gallery houses numerous displays including the Disasters gallery, which has an audio visual presentation of river tragedies, like the Earthquake of 1811, yellow fever plagues, and steamboat disasters.
While at the museum one exhibit you won't want to miss is the Civil War gallery. During the Civil War many major battles occurred on the Mississippi River, as well as the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Other galleries in the Mississippi River Museum include a River Engineering display, The River Room, a music room, and the changing exhibit room.
