Q: Do you know why Marjory Stoneman Douglas called the Everglades "River of Grass"? Is it the original name of the place, or is it named after her book? -- Antony

A: That's a good question, Antony.

I believe Marjory Stoneman Douglas is attributed with coming up with the phrase "river of grass." The title of her famous book, The Everglades: River of Grass includes that phrase. Even the 2nd paragraph of the first chapter states: "The miracle of the light pours over the green and brown expanse of saw grass and of water, shining and slow-moving below, the grass and water that is the meaning and the central fact of the Everglades of Florida. It is a river of grass." (EcoFlorida published an article about Ms. Douglas in the spring 2001 issue.)

Later in the same chapter, Ms. Douglas discusses some of the names that people have called the Everglades: Grassy Water (Native Americans), River Glades (Englishmen), the Lagoon of the Holy Spirit (Spaniards).

Part of the reason for the phrase "river of grass" is probably due to the fact that her book was one in a series of books on America's rivers, like the Suwannee, the Mississippi and the Colorado. I am lucky enough to have the first printing of this book, published in 1947, and my original book clearly has "Rivers of America" stamped on the spine and inside lists all the other books in the series. (I doubt the authors of the other books received the fame Ms. Douglas did.) While most people viewed the Everglades as a wasteland at the time Ms. Douglas wrote her book, this writing showed the world the Everglades' true value and splendor. Calling it a river -- and writing a book about it -- may have legitimized the Everglades in some people's minds at the time.

However, as in all rivers, the Everglades' water does flow. While it's not a typical river with a defined channel, water flows sort of southwest through the Everglades sloughs into Florida Bay. Because grasses like sawgrass cover the area, making the water imperceptible in most places, "river of grass" is a fitting description.

Ms. Douglas' book is worthwhile reading for all Floridians and for anyone who appreciates this vast wetland. The first chapter is a detailed description of the Everglades. Most of the book is about Florida's history, written in Ms. Douglas' entertaining storytelling manner, and will offer at least one surprising story about Florida and the Everglades that you haven't heard before.

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