Roustabouts, Steamboats, and the Old Way to Dixie: The Mississippi River and the Southern Imaginary in the Early Twentieth Century.

Popular culture; Mississippi River in literature; Mississippi River description & travel; Southern United States history, 1865-1951; History of steamboats; Unskilled labor; Twentieth century; Music; History

Mississippi River; Southern States; United States

The article discusses the depiction of the Mississippi River in the U.S. Southern States within early 20th century Southern popular culture, including in literature, songs and magazines. An overview of the depiction of the Mississippi River in travel account books, including the portrayal of steamboats and roustabouts, or unskilled laborers, is provided.