Of all the waterways in Mississippi, none are quite as intriguing as the Pascagoula River – and that’s because it sings. That’s right; for hundreds of years, visitors to the river have described a mysterious humming sound coming from its waters. There are several theories regarding the music-like sound, but the strange phenomenon has yet to be explained. Keep reading to learn more about the singing river in Mississippi and the legend behind it.
The Pascagoula River has been dubbed the “Singing River” because of the strange, yet remarkable, sound that comes from its waters.
Jeff Wilkinson/Only In Mississippi Facebook
So, what’s the river sound like? It’s often described as “flute like.” It’s also frequently compared to the sound produced by rubbing the rim of a crystal glass.
Pascagoula River/Facebook
Over the years, many have visited the Pascagoula River, hoping to hear it sing.
Pascagoula River/Facebook
But, it’s important to remember that the river isn’t always audible.
Pascagoula River/Facebook Ernest Herndon, an expert on the Pascagoula River, spent hundreds of hours on the river before it sang to him!
Want to see (and hear) the river in person?
Pascagoula River Audubon Center/Facebook The Singing River in Mississippi is accessible from various places; however, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center is one of the most convenient ways to access the river.
As the largest undammed river in the contiguous U.S., the Pascagoula River is a popular spot for water-related activities. But that’s not the river’s only claim to fame.
Pascagoula River Audubon Center/Facebook
Intriguing people for nearly as long, there are articles and writings about the noisy river dating back to the 1800s.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History/Wikimedia One such article appeared in the July 24, 1892 edition of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, which included the author’s firsthand description of hearing the river sing.
Though the story of the mermaid is the oldest legend associated with the river’s musical waters, it’s not the only one. A second legend involves the Pascagoula and Biloxi tribes.
Boston Public Library/Wikimedia The two tribes co-existed peacefully until the chief of the Pascagoula tribe fell in love with a princess from the Biloxi tribe. Angered by the Pascagoula chief’s affection for the Biloxi princess, the Biloxi tribe declared war on the Pascagoula Indians. Completely outnumbered, the Pascagoula Indians chose to die at their own hands rather than be killed or captured as slaves. And so, the Pascagoula tribe joined hands and sang a song as they marched into the river to drown themselves. According to legend, the noise made by the river today is actually the phantom tribe singing from beneath the water’s surface.
The origin of the sound is unknown; however, what is known is that the river has been “singing” for a very long time. French settlers heard the river as early as 1699.
Public Domain/Wikimedia
There are several legends and myths, which attempt to explain the origin of the musical sounds of the river. One of the oldest tales involves a mermaid, who lured her followers into the river to their deaths.
Trounce/Wikimedia When French settlers came to the area, they asked local Native Americans about the strange sound coming from the river. The Native Americans said a local tribe once worshipped a mermaid, who lived in the river. Around 1540, a “white man” came to the area, trying to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, which greatly angered the mermaid. The mermaid reacted with fury. She rose from the bottom of the river, singing, “Come to me, come to me, children of the sea. Neither bell, book, nor cross shall win ye from your queen.” At the sound of the mermaid’s voice, every man, woman, and child from the tribe walked in to the river, disappearing forever.
According to a 19th century historian, area tribes have always thought the sound of the river was “their musical brethren, who still keep up their revels at the bottom of the river, in the palace of the mermaid.”
So, did you know about this river – and the legend behind it? Let us know in the comments section.
Jeff Wilkinson/Only In Mississippi Facebook
Pascagoula River/Facebook
Ernest Herndon, an expert on the Pascagoula River, spent hundreds of hours on the river before it sang to him!
Pascagoula River Audubon Center/Facebook
The Singing River in Mississippi is accessible from various places; however, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center is one of the most convenient ways to access the river.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History/Wikimedia
One such article appeared in the July 24, 1892 edition of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, which included the author’s firsthand description of hearing the river sing.
Boston Public Library/Wikimedia
The two tribes co-existed peacefully until the chief of the Pascagoula tribe fell in love with a princess from the Biloxi tribe. Angered by the Pascagoula chief’s affection for the Biloxi princess, the Biloxi tribe declared war on the Pascagoula Indians. Completely outnumbered, the Pascagoula Indians chose to die at their own hands rather than be killed or captured as slaves. And so, the Pascagoula tribe joined hands and sang a song as they marched into the river to drown themselves. According to legend, the noise made by the river today is actually the phantom tribe singing from beneath the water’s surface.
Public Domain/Wikimedia
Trounce/Wikimedia
When French settlers came to the area, they asked local Native Americans about the strange sound coming from the river. The Native Americans said a local tribe once worshipped a mermaid, who lived in the river. Around 1540, a “white man” came to the area, trying to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, which greatly angered the mermaid. The mermaid reacted with fury. She rose from the bottom of the river, singing, “Come to me, come to me, children of the sea. Neither bell, book, nor cross shall win ye from your queen.” At the sound of the mermaid’s voice, every man, woman, and child from the tribe walked in to the river, disappearing forever.
According to a 19th century historian, area tribes have always thought the sound of the river was “their musical brethren, who still keep up their revels at the bottom of the river, in the palace of the mermaid.”
You’ll love visiting this beautiful area. You can find the Pascagoula River Audubon Center at 7001 Frank Griffin Road, Moss Point, MS, 39563.
This isn’t the only site in the state with an eerie past. To see more of them consider taking the ultimate terrifying Mississippi road trip!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Beauty in Mississippi December 27, 2022 Michelle S. The natural beauty in Mississippi is everywhere. From hikes to road trips to waterways throughout the state, there’s a lot to love about the state. What are the most beautiful hikes in Mississippi? There are plenty of beautiful hikes in Mississippi. From those next to the water to the ones meandering through a small town, there’s a lot of beauty to be found here. Some of the best include:
Natchez Bluff Trail which features access to the delicious Magnolia Grill The Cypress Swamp Trail north of Jackson Every hike in the Clark Creek Natural Area. They all lead to waterfalls! The Bonita Lakes Trail near Meridian
For even more beauty, check out these 12 incredible Mississippi hikes. There’s one here for every month of the year. Which hikes in Mississippi are best in the winter? There are so many hikes in Mississippi that are best in the winter. For some of the most wonderful, consider exploring these:
The Winter Walk through Gulfport Harbor The Prancer Path Christmas Tree Trail in Laurel The Cypress Swamp Trail near Jackson
For those looking for more outdoor fun, check out these 12 spots in Mississippi to explore this winter. Which state parks should I visit in Mississippi? There are so many state parks to visit in Mississippi. Each one is full of beauty as well as lots of opportunities for fun. The Great River Road State Park along the Great River Road Historic Scenic Byway is particularly beautiful. And Shepard State Park in Gautier offers plenty of peace and quiet as one of the least known state parks in the state. To see three state parks in one day plan a two-day road trip on the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are plenty of other wonderful Mississippi state parks to explore, including these 10 amazing options.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Beauty in Mississippi
December 27, 2022
Michelle S.
The natural beauty in Mississippi is everywhere. From hikes to road trips to waterways throughout the state, there’s a lot to love about the state. What are the most beautiful hikes in Mississippi? There are plenty of beautiful hikes in Mississippi. From those next to the water to the ones meandering through a small town, there’s a lot of beauty to be found here. Some of the best include:
Natchez Bluff Trail which features access to the delicious Magnolia Grill The Cypress Swamp Trail north of Jackson Every hike in the Clark Creek Natural Area. They all lead to waterfalls! The Bonita Lakes Trail near Meridian
For even more beauty, check out these 12 incredible Mississippi hikes. There’s one here for every month of the year. Which hikes in Mississippi are best in the winter? There are so many hikes in Mississippi that are best in the winter. For some of the most wonderful, consider exploring these:
The Winter Walk through Gulfport Harbor The Prancer Path Christmas Tree Trail in Laurel The Cypress Swamp Trail near Jackson
For those looking for more outdoor fun, check out these 12 spots in Mississippi to explore this winter. Which state parks should I visit in Mississippi? There are so many state parks to visit in Mississippi. Each one is full of beauty as well as lots of opportunities for fun. The Great River Road State Park along the Great River Road Historic Scenic Byway is particularly beautiful. And Shepard State Park in Gautier offers plenty of peace and quiet as one of the least known state parks in the state. To see three state parks in one day plan a two-day road trip on the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are plenty of other wonderful Mississippi state parks to explore, including these 10 amazing options.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What are the most beautiful hikes in Mississippi?
There are plenty of beautiful hikes in Mississippi. From those next to the water to the ones meandering through a small town, there’s a lot of beauty to be found here. Some of the best include:
- Natchez Bluff Trail which features access to the delicious Magnolia Grill
- The Cypress Swamp Trail north of Jackson
- Every hike in the Clark Creek Natural Area. They all lead to waterfalls!
- The Bonita Lakes Trail near Meridian
For even more beauty, check out these 12 incredible Mississippi hikes. There’s one here for every month of the year.
Which hikes in Mississippi are best in the winter?
There are so many hikes in Mississippi that are best in the winter. For some of the most wonderful, consider exploring these:
- The Winter Walk through Gulfport Harbor
- The Prancer Path Christmas Tree Trail in Laurel
- The Cypress Swamp Trail near Jackson
For those looking for more outdoor fun, check out these 12 spots in Mississippi to explore this winter.
Which state parks should I visit in Mississippi?
There are so many state parks to visit in Mississippi. Each one is full of beauty as well as lots of opportunities for fun. The Great River Road State Park along the Great River Road Historic Scenic Byway is particularly beautiful. And Shepard State Park in Gautier offers plenty of peace and quiet as one of the least known state parks in the state. To see three state parks in one day plan a two-day road trip on the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are plenty of other wonderful Mississippi state parks to explore, including these 10 amazing options.
