The Mississippi River – one of the most beautiful and influential scenic rivers in the United States, runs a total of 2,320 miles and provides a source of power and transportation to millions of people.
Towering high above its surrounding valleys, the Mississippi River is more than a source of hydropower, a convenient mode of transportation, as well as an aesthetic treasure. To its native people, the river has always been a source of spiritual energy and renewal, and an ever present reminder of the beauty of nature.
The Mississippi River begins atop the northern tip of the Minnesota River, coursing south through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, before turning east in central Missouri. This “Father of Waters” then bisects its namesake state, sweeping north through Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
A prominent source of natural beauty, the Mississippi acts as an oasis for wildlife, including fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. Scientists estimate that approximately 70% of the shimmers in the continental United States live within the vast delta basin of the Mississippi River.
Moreover, the water from its many tributaries and lakes has helped shape the many farmlands and plantations that line the banks of the river. In turn, these agricultural areas have nourished the surrounding populations for hundreds of years, farming communities and sustainability.
On a broader scale, the Mississippi River has served as a vital artery for interstate commerce since French explorers first discovered it in the seventeenth century. The Mississippi River is the longest continuous navigation highway in the world, and has long been extended from its original navigable stay with docks, harbors, and facilities for navigation and infrastructure development.
Lastly, the Mississippi River is an immensely powerful source of energy – providing electricity to millions of homes and businesses both in the United States and overseas via the hydro-electric power produced by the numerous dams it feeds. Much of the success of the midwestern states and local economies can be attributed to the Mississippi River’s energy resources.
Recreational activities and Transport
For those looking for more than the natural beauty of the Mississippi River, recreational activities are plentiful. Whether it be floating down the river in a canoe or kayak, riding a steamboat, or simply strolling along the banks, visitors never have a shortage of activities in which to partake.
The Mississippi River also provides a unique transportation system – from the barge and towboat industry, to traditional river travelers. Once taking advantage of the river’s destination ports and trading towns, settlers, merchants, and immigrants connected their story fragments with the river, making the mighty Mississippi even more iconic.
Today, the magnificence of the Mississippi River continues to captivate, providing tourists and visiting locals alike with a glimpse into America’s rich cultural and natural histories. Every year, millions of people visit the Mississippi River and its surrounding landmarks, whether to experience the beauty of the river itself, or to explore the small river towns that act as its historic homage.
Many choose a boat tour, such as the classic riverboat, the Delta Queen, and cruise down the mighty Mississippi while taking in the stunning views and stopping in destination ports such as Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mississippi River Delta also serves as an active wildlife refuge, beckoning birdwatchers and conservationists to explore the untouched and flourishing ecosystem.
The Impact of the Mississippi on Human Life
More importantly, the Mississippi River has been a cornerstone of culture and tradition for many of its inhabitants. Countless songs, works of art, books, and movies have been made all in the name of the Father of Waters. Some, such as William S. Burroughs and Huckleberry Finn, have even made a name for themselves by skillfully utilizing the stories of the Mississippi River in some of literature’s most memorable works.
The cultural importance of the Mississippi River has often been overshadowed by its myriad other purposes, but it has become deeply tied to the people and the land that it feeds. To the native people of the river basin, the life-sustaining and supportive power of the Mississippi is both spiritual and physical, and integral to the history and identity of its human inhabitants.
Environmental Challenges Facing the Mississippi
Despite its immense contributions to human society, the Mississippi River is not without its environmental problems. Throughout its origin and evolution, its waters have experienced a great deal of pollution, due in large part to runoff from agricultural and industrial activities. Furthermore, the increasing flow of artificial waterways, as well as dams and locks engineered for navigation, have penned in segments of the river and hampered natural flooding, siltation, and sedimentation.
The Mississippi’s greatest environmental challenge, however, is the impact of climate change, which has caused unprecedented drought conditions and higher temperatures. Without enough rain and snowfall, water levels in the Mississippi have dropped drastically in some locations, resulting in higher water temperatures and increased concentrations of toxic contaminants.
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency declared the Mississippi River as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, outlining several areas of contamination. These include excessive amounts of nitrates, cultivated runoff, and hazardous chemicals that have led to decreased oxygen levels, massive algal blooms, and the destruction of aquatic habitats.
Preservation Efforts for the Mississippi River
Given its importance to the area’s ecosystem and economy, many local and federal preservation efforts have been undertaken in order to protect the Mississippi River from ongoing environmental threats. Government and environmental groups are striving to restore the river’s natural flow by advocating for the removal of dams, regulating the amount of pollutants released into the river, and encouraging public education and engagement.
Furthermore, several organizations have created social campaigns designed to bring attention to the issues facing the Mississippi, as well as ideas to promote citizens’ involvement in the conversation surrounding the river. Some aim to protect and monitor wildlife conservation, while others seek to preserve the river by planting thousands of trees along its banks.
From its role in historic events and its life-sustaining powers, to its countless recreational activities, the Mississippi River is a unique and invaluable natural resource. For those willing to lend a helping hand in the river’s restoration and preservation, the Mississippi will continue to provide life and joy for generations to come.
Conservation Efforts
Fortunately, governments and environmental groups at both the federal and state level, have taken steps to protect and preserve the Mississippi River. In particular, the US Army Corps of Engineers has taken a leading role in efforts to restore the river’s natural flow and decrease the flow of pollutants released into the river.
To that end, the Corps is working on several different projects designed to reduce erosion and sedimentation, improve navigation and transportation, restore wetlands, and reduce floodplain risk.
At the same time, numerous other conservation groups, such as the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Mississippi River Network are actively working on initiatives to plant trees along the riverbanks, create public engagement and education opportunities, and advocate for the removal of dams and restrictive waterways.
Clean Up Initiatives
Since the state of the river has been of deep concern for many members of the community, several legal and social initiatives have been launched to reduce the levels of pollutants flowing into the Mississippi River. Through a combination of public education and awareness, and stricter regulatory enforcement, many groups have been able to make a difference in the river’s health.
In addition, numerous local and state government-sponsored clean-up initiatives have been launched across the river basin to remove hazardous materials and pollutants from the riverbanks and restore the river’s natural ecology. Along with private donations and volunteer work, these programs have been successful in reducing pollution and restoring wildlife.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River holds immense economic importance. A large portion of the river basin is comprised of agricultural land, including fertile farmlands and ranches, used to feed millions of people in the United States and abroad.
What’s more, the Mississippi River also produces a great deal of natural resources, including minerals, timber, lumber, coal, and more. Indeed, The Mississippi River has been a key source of wealth and development, powering industry, trade, and commerce throughout its history.
Lastly, the river is a major provider of recreation, tourism and engineering projects, producing thousands of jobs, bringing in tourist dollars, and providing a unique canvas for large-scale engineering projects.
