Let me introduce you to Bob Robinson, avid cyclist and writer. I asked Bob to tell us about the unique connection the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) has with Native American history and culture. Before he does, I'd like to tell you a bit about who Bob is and why he's my guest blogger on the MRT topic.
Bob left his career in information technology after 37 years in order to find something different to do with his life. While attending a gathering at a friend's cabin in the Ozark Mountains, he visited with another old friend, Terry Eastin. Terry mentioned that she was serving as the executive director of Mississippi River Trail, Inc. Having been an avid cyclist for over 30 years, Bob decided that fate had provided the "something different" he was looking for. One year later, in 2008, along with his wife Dawna's help, Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail was published.
Although researching other book projects, Bob continues his association with the MRT. In 2009 he and a friend toured the southern half of the route and they are now working on plans to ride the northern portion. He has written about his MRT Adventures, and the MRT adventures of others, at a blog located on the MRT, Inc. website. He has also posted MRT-related entries at Crazy Guy on a Bike, Bicycle Touring Pro, and SpiritsCreek. You can find changes made to the MRT route on the SpiritsCreek website between publications of the guidebook.
Here's what Bob has to tell us:
"The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a designated bicycle route that follows the corridor of the Mississippi River on its 2,300-mile journey through America's heartland. Along the route, cyclists may visit historical preserves and monuments that tell our country's story as far back as when the glaciers across North America began to thaw. At the 425-acre Mastodon State Historic Site, in Imperial, MO, visitors can view weapons of the Clovis period (10,000 to 14,000 years ago) and bones of the mastodon, which provided the first evidence archaeologists have found that links humans with the giant prehistoric beasts.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans lived for centuries along the banks of the Mississippi River. Cyclists have ample opportunities to learn about these early Americans by visiting preserves such as Iowa's Effigy Mounds National Monument. On a hike among the more than 200 mounds, built 800 to 2,500 years ago, you have the chance to contemplate the meanings of these sacred burial and ceremonial mounds.On a short side trip off the MRT in Illinois, cyclists have the option of visiting Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which preserves the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. In 1250 A.D. the city of Cahokia was larger than London, England.
The MRT routes cyclists past numerous other historical sites that provide a glimpse of Native American life, such as the Toolesboro Mounds of Iowa, the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site of Kentucky, Winterville Mounds of Mississippi, and Emerald Mounds, also in Mississippi.
As evidenced by the artifacts discovered by archeologists, we know that Native American cultures flourished for centuries along the banks of the Mississippi River. However, by 1450 A.D., partially as the result of their own success, these societies had declined drastically. The civilizations that greeted the first European visitors no longer represented the rich political, economic, and cultural powers that we now know once existed.
Enjoy your MRT Adventure, as you explore America's early heritage."
Bob Robinson
Author of Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail
Photos provided by Bob Robinson, Mastodon State Historic Site, and the National Park Service
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CONNECTIONS is posted by Ginny Sullivan, Adventure Cycling's special projects director and features the cultural, historical, geographical, and human connections created through bike travel. Find out about our award-winning Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
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