Episode 65: “A River in the City of Fountains” – Amahia Mallea (Water & Waterways, Part 5)

Water. Did you ever stop to think just how important water is to your everyday life? From health, sanitation, and nutrition, to transportation, recreation, and cultural identity, water is just as important today as it has been for countless people for generations. Whether it’s the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, or the endless list of rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes, and even fountains that dot Missouri’s landscape, this series is all about water. So, with that, let’s dive right into Water & Waterways.

Since its earliest days, Missouri has been defined by its rivers. While the Mississippi River gets most of the attention thanks to the literary works of authors like Mark Twain, the Missouri River is actually the longer of the two waterways and travels through more counties in the state than its counterpart. This episode features a conversation with Amahia Mallea about her book, A River in the City of Fountains, and the complex history of the great river known as the "Big Muddy."

Episode & Banner Image: Louise and Doris Schmidt sitting on a hillside overlooking the Missouri River, Boonville, Missouri, ca. 1903 [Maximilian E. Schmidt Photographs (P0001), SHSMO]