Red River

Once major tributary of Mississippi River, rising at base of Rocky Mountains near present-day Santa Fe, New Mexico. Winds through rich prairies with red soil, lending river its color and name. Flows southeast from present-day New Mexico and through Texas panhandle; forms border of present-day Texas and Oklahoma, flows into Arkansas, and runs through Louisiana, once flowing into Mississippi River but now feeding into Atchafalaya River. Estimated length more than 1,200 miles. David S. Hollister traveled Red River to learn status of steamboat Maid of Iowa on JS’s behalf.