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词汇提示

1.literature 文学

2.draining 流

3.silt 淤

4.boundary 分界

5.halves 一半（half的复数）

6.claim 宣称

7.paddle 桨

8.gateway 入口

9.arch 拱门

10.monument 纪念碑

11.Mardi Gras 狂欢节

原文

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the longest river within the United States，and the fourth longest river in the world.

This river holds a special place in American history and literature，and in the imagination of the ordinary Americans.

The Mississippi River begins in the hill of northern Minnesota，near the Canadian border，and flows southward about 3700 kilometers，through ten states，before draining its water and silt into the Gulf of Mexico.

Traditionally，the river is viewed as a natural boundary between the eastern and western halves of the United States.

Until the year of 1803，the areas to the west of the Mississippi River，and the areas around the mouth of the river，were claimed by Spain and by France.

In that year，the French emperor，Napoleon，decided to sell this land to the United States of America.

This sale，which was called the Louisiana Purchase，was very important for the United States.

By controlling the Mississippi River，the Americans would be able to use it for transporting goods and people in this rapidly developing area.

For many years ，river-boats were the main method of long distance transportation for the people living near the Mississippi.

Steam-power boats，with large“paddle-wheels”that pushed the boats forward，were very popular in the time before cars and airplanes.

One of the most famous cities along the Mississippi River is St. Louis.

This city is known as the“gateway to the west”.

During the nineteenth century，St. Louis was the last large town that people would pass through on their way to the new farmland to farther west.

Today，St. Louis is famous for the“Gateway Arch”，a tall monument that welcomes people to the west.

St. Louis is also known as the city where the music known as“the Blues”began

Near the mouth of the Mississippi River is another famous city，New Orleans..

In terms of the style of the buildings，New Orleans is said to be the most unusual American city，because it is influenced so strongly by Spanish and French traditions.

Even today，the traditional festival of“Mardi Gras”is celebrated in New Orleans each year.

New Orleans and the surrounding areas of the state of the Louisiana are famous for spicy“Cajun”food.

This style of cooking was developed by the French-speaking settlers of Louisiana

The Mississippi River is famous for many stories of American literature.

For example，The Adventure of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn，which were written by the author Mark Twain，are both set along the Mississippi River.

Today，the federal and government of the United States are working to preserve the natural environment along the Mississippi River.

People recognize the importance of keeping this river healthy and clean.