The Haunted South: Where Ghosts Still Roam

THE SINGING RIVER

rrfie Singing !Rjver Is it possible that there are lost Indian tribes who went to live beneath the water? Late summer and autumn are the times when the mysterious music of the Pascagoula River is heard most often, and those who have listened to it remember it forever. Some say it is a soft humming sound, others hear the strains of music so beautiful that it is unearthly. Those who have heard it most clearly have been out in a boat on the river itself rather than the bank and have heard the strains of the music begin gently around them and then swell louder and louder. They were caught up and carried along by the power and beauty of the strange melody which yet contained a prevailing note of sadness. Located on U.5. 90 between Biloxi, Mississippiand Mobile, Alabama, the river is named for the Pascagoula Indians who lived along its banks, and for many years a variety of legends has attempted to explain the music. One of the best known of these legends is the story of the romance between Princess Anola who was betrothed to the chieftain of the warlike Biloxi Indians and young Altama, son of the Pascagoula chief. The tribe of the Pascagoula was known for their 91 friendly, peaceful ways and unlike some of the other Indian tribes, war neverbecamea pastime with them. Although not as warlikeas some, they did not escape that desire for vengeance which started so many Indian wars and even destroyed entire tribes. The Pascagoulas held their feasts, their rhythmic dances, their burial ceremonies as did all the Indians but for the most part they were content to cultivate the ground with their primitive hooked wooden sticks, planting com and beans and living in relative peace with their neighbors. War was far from the minds of Anola and Altama when they first came upon each other in the forest near the Pascagoula village. Altama was quietly fishing in the river when he first heard something more than the normal sound of the water. It was the voice of a girl singing softly and blending with the noises of the forest and stream. Altama searched the woods all around him but could find no one. Then he gazed up through the branches of the tree right over his head and there, perched among the highest limbs, was a lovely girl. He beckoned to her to come down and the two spent the balance of the afternoon sharing each other's thoughts and dreams. It was the first of many meetings and Altama soon convinced the girl to marry him. So, onedaysheleft thevillageofherfatherand was welcomed warmly by the people of Altama who immediateIybegan to busy themselves preparingthe elaborate wedding feast ordered by Altama's father. On the afternoon before the day of the feast a lone Pascagoula brave was out hunting some distance from the village when he heard the sound of voices talking in the Biloxi tongue. He concealed himself 92 well and stood watching while hosts ofBiloxi braves 94 in war regalia stole quietly past him traveling in the direction of the Pascagoula village. It was not hard for the hunter to guess that their objective was vengeance upon the Pascagoula for the loss of their angry chieftain's betrothed. The hunter returned speedily to his tribe with news of the impending disaster, for those whom the Biloxi did not kill, they would surely take as slaves. Altama volunteered to go out alone to meet the Biloxi and offer himself to them in an attempt to save the village, but the other braves would not allow him to do this. Soon the scout they had sent out to confirm the hunter's story returned. He brought news of many Biloxi warriors on the march, far outnumbering the Pascagoula braves, warriors who would soon descend with warlike screams and cries upon the villagers. A brief council was held and the people chose between death and slavery at the hands of the Biloxi or another alternative--the waters of their beloved river. They made their decision and gathering along the banks the old people and children began to walk out into the dark stream. They were followed by the braves chanting a death song and behind them walked Altama and Anoia who embraced and then plunged beneath the swift flowing waters. When theBiloxiarrived they found burningcampfires and preparations for...