Riverhistory.com Podcast

In this episode I share some inspiring tips from the Friends of the Mississippi River and the National Park Service about how we can all make a difference in the quality of our precious rivers.

Mark Twain and I share our expressions of gratitude and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving weekend! All the best, Bill

RHP023 The Gettysburg Address anniversary

Tomorrow, November 19, is the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech. Learn about the event and hear the incredible speech.

RHP022 New Mississippi River Pedestrian Bridge

In this episode, learn about how an old bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Memphis, TN recently reopened as the longest pedestrian bridge across the river.

RHP021 Easing Your Election Stress
This episode soothes raw nerves about the U.S. election by sharing a selection that celebrates what is beautiful about our nation. These selections from Walt Whitman’s “American Feuillage” celebrate what is diverse and wonderful about our country. It’s the perfect antidote to this toxic election. And it’s got plenty of river references. Enjoy!

RHP020 Special Halloween River Ghost Story
For this special Halloween episode, I’ve got a wonderful riverboat ghost story written by a listener to this podcast – a wonderful author named Laurence MacDonald. Enjoy this thriller!

RHP019 West Florida Rebellion
The startling story of an independent country that existed along the Mississippi River for only 74 days. This 1811 event shaped the boundaries of the young United States. The tale also includes the first appearance of a unique flag that will reappear time and again throughout history.

RHP018 Guest Experts Discuss Wine and the Columbia River
Today’s episode welcomes wine experts Donna Moyer and Harry Moen to discuss the impact of the Columbia River on the amazing vineyards and wineries along the river valley. Learn the factors of river history that influence the variety and quality of the regions wines.

RHP017 The Journey of the Steamboat “New Orleans”
On October 20, 1811 the first steamboat built for the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers -- called the “New Orleans” – departed from Pittsburgh on a 2200-mile journey to New Orleans. Along the way it seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The travelers struggled through fires, floods, rapids, threats of violence, and the worst earthquake ever to hit North America. It is one of the greatest adventure stories in American history. Enjoy!

RHP016 Mark Twain's Boyhood Days.mp3

This episode highlights the influence of the Mississippi River on the development of Samuel Clemens who later adopted the pen-name Mark Twain.

Enjoy!