The Great River & Its Surroundings
The Mississippi River is considered to be one of the most powerful and important waterways in North America. Stretching from the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi has served as an essential transportation route for centuries, connecting not only people and goods, but also some of the largest cities in the United States. Taking a look at a map of the states west of the Mississippi River gives an insight into the immense influence the river has had on the land and its people.
The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota, and runs through ten other states before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Starting with the northernmost state, Minnesota is bordered by the Mississippi on its eastern side, while Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois form a border on the western side of the river. Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee all have their eastern borders marked by the Mississippi, while their western borders vary in location.
Across the river, in Arkansas, the river cuts through the state diagonally and is met on the east side by Tennessee. Louisiana has the largest portion of land west of the Mississippi, with coverage extending more than halfway across the state. The river separates Louisiana from Arkansas to the north, as well as Mississippi to the east.
Important Points Along the River
Some of the most important cities of North America are located beside or near the Mississippi River. It is believed that half of the population of the United States lives within 50 miles of the river. St. Louis, Missouri is a prime example of this. Directly across from St. Louis is the city of East St. Louis, Illinois. It is here where the East St. Louis Bridge connects the two states.
The river has been an essential shipping route since it was first discovered by Americans. The ports of St. Louis, New Orleans, Memphis, Minneapolis, and Baton Rouge all take advantage of this route to transport goods internationally. In fact, the port in St. Louis was recently declared the nations’ busiest inland port. In the present day, the ports are connected to one another by the interstates of I-40 and I-55.
The Mississippi Today
Though there have been many attempts to use the river for other purposes, the mission of the Mississippi has remained the same for centuries: to communicate the changing values of the United States to its citizens. Today, the Mississippi River is dotted with dams, locks, and levees. These structures prevent major floods and uphold the surrounding settlements. Modern improvements like the levees are what make the river so useful today.
The recent completion of the Big Muddy Correctional Center located along the banks of the river near Vienna, Missouri also serves as a major point of interest. The prison houses some of the most dangerous inmates in the country. Beyond that, there is also the Oxford State Park located in Mississippi which offers visitors the opportunity to hike, explore and learn more about the area.
Impact of Environment
The Mississippi River is a vital part of the environment in the states west of the river. Its ability to store and transport sediment is an important part of our ecosystem. The 7,700 rivers that help form the Mississippi supply it with over 2.3 billion tons of sediment per year. The resulting deposition can help to reduce floods, replenish the soil and bolster levees.
Moreover, the river provides a habitat to hundreds of species of fish and other wildlife. The National Wildlife Route protects over 1.2 million acres of habitat along the Mississippi. This includes frequent breeding grounds for threatened species such as the American Alligator, Kingfishers and Bald Eagles. In addition, the river supplies over 6.6 million people with drinking water throughout the United States.
Effects of Pollution
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River by no means exists without its drawbacks. Increased pollution and runoff has led to detrimental effects. Runoff is caused when rainwater washes over and through soil containing fertilizers, carrying pollutants into the river. This runoff is an example of what can happen when humans ignore environmental protection measures.
The most notorious example of human induced pollution is the oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The spill, caused by an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, resulted in the release of at least 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf. The implications for the Mississippi are still being studied, but it is likely that the river will see lasting effects from the disaster.
Renewables and Restoration
The effects of the pollution and runoff mentioned previously are currently being addressed through various efforts and initiatives. Countries, cities, and companies are embracing renewable energy to combat pollution, and the Mississippi is no exception.
Birmingham, Alabama is leading the way with the clean energy revolution in the US, with renewable energy now accounting for 55% of the city’s energy consumption. Birmingham is also the first US city to get its electricity supply completely from renewable sources. Other cities in the Mississippi River’s vicinity are also making strides, with the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa all leading the rise in wind energy, with a combined portion of 27% of their electricity coming from clean sources.
Initiatives such as the Wetlands Coalition are also being implemented to restore the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Mississippi River. The coalition is made up of representatives from government agencies, farmers and business owners. The efforts of the coalition and other environmental groups are believed to be key in helping to reduce the impact of the pollutants on the Mississippi River and the surrounding areas.
Economic and Cultural Effects
The Mississippi River has had an undeniable effect on the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the states how encompass it. It was once used by the Native Americans to explore the events of the United States, and by the Europeans to traverse the country and claim it. The river has been a source of recreation, trade, and transportation for centuries.
Today, boat tours and river cruises are available, allowing visitors to engage their senses and gain a appreciation for the heritage of the Mississippi River.
The states west of the Mississippi depend a lot on the river for its tourism appeal, as the area remains a popular choice for vacationers and campers looking to explore and indulge in the culture of the South. Similarly, businesses located along the Mississippi’s border make use of the river for trade; transporting goods and items for local businesses. This moves across state borders, promoting commerce and creating an interconnected economy.
Culturally Significant Sites
The Mississippi River is home to some of the country’s most iconic sites. Located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. It’s a site of thirty six thousand acres, consisting of wetlands, forests, and swamplands, full of some of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. It is also home to a large variety of wildlife, including ravens and bald eagles, as well as over five hundred species of birds.
Music fans recognize the area as being a significant part of the birth of blues and jazz music in America. A visit to New Orleans will lead you to see the famous Preservation Hall, said to be the birthplace of jazz.
Living with the Mighty Mississippi
The Mississippi River is the backbone of North America and those who live west of the river know its power and influence. Despite the massive impact it has on the land and its people, it is essential that we take steps towards preserving it for generations to come.
The Mississippi is not just about transportation, fishing or tourism. It carries with it the history and culture of many states and countries. From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi River is a source of life and an undeniable symbol of progress.
