Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
Concepts and Character of the Mississippi River as seen through the Records of Early Explorers
Presented by Robert Criss, PhD, Washington University
Original Presentation, March 11, 2015 at Big A’s Restaurant, St. Charles
With all the changes we've made to our big rivers, it can be difficult to imagine the natural character and shape, even the behavior of these rivers before we altered them. It can be really instructive to look back at the journals, letters and maps of early explorers for a window into the personalities of these rivers.
Dr. Robert Criss, Professor of Earth and Planetary Science at Washington University, presented "Concepts and Character of the Mississippi River as seen through the Records of Early Explorers."
Illinois indians lead a group of french explorers, including Jacques Marquette & Louis Joliet, on the first recorded exploration of the Mississippi River.
Meet Your Presenter
Robert Criss, PhD
, Washington University
Dr. Criss, author of "Finding the Balance between Floods, Flood Protection, and River Navigation" recently published by St. Louis University, is a strong advocate of sound floodplain management in our community and supports many grassroots efforts to improve the quality of life for our citizens.
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
Dig in for more info on this topic:
Research
Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America
Early Exploration and the Fur Trade
More by Dr. Robert Criss
Criss, R.E. and Kusky, T.M., editors (2009) Finding the Balance between Floods, Flood Protection, and River Navigation, published by Saint Louis University.
Criss, R.E. and Wilson, D.A., editors (2003) At the Confluence: Rivers, Floods, and Water Quality in the St. Louis Region, MBG Press, St. Louis, 278 p.
Criss R. E. (1999) Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution, Oxford University Press, New York, 264 p.
The Big Muddy Speakers Series in St. Charles
is hosted by these wonderful partners:
- Greenway Network
- Missouri River Relief
- Friends of Big Muddy
- Big Muddy Adventures
- Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
- Big A’s Restaurant
All speakers are presenting for free and Big A’s is sharing the space for free! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Rocheport and Kansas City.
A special thank you to Greg Poleski of Greenway Network and Mike Clark of Big Muddy Adventures for making this happen!
Upcoming Presentations
Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
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