The question of whether Illinois borders the Mississippi River is a common one given the state’s close proximity to the second longest river in the U.S. The answer to this question is yes, Illinois does indeed border the Mississippi River – but not in the way you might think.
To understand why Illinois doesn’t directly border the Mississippi River, it’s important to remember that Illinois is a totally landlocked state. All states that border the Mississippi River are riverside states which means they are able to directly access the river from their borders. However, this isn’t the case for Illinois since it doesn’t contain a coastline or any other waterways aside from its rivers or streams.
While Illinois doesn’t directly border the Mississippi River, it does contain several separate affluents (tributaries) of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is divided into two primary tributaries – the Ohio River and the Mississippi River proper. Illinois is home to multiple tributaries of the Mississippi River, including the Kankakee, Illinois, Des Plaines, and Fox Rivers.
What’s interesting about Illinois’ position on the Mississippi River is that it allows access to the river without actually being a riverside state. This is because of the interconnectivity of the state’s tributaries and the central positioning of the Mississippi River in relation to the United States. This means that even though Illinois doesn’t directly touch the Mississippi River, it still provides indirect access to it.
The Benefits of Having Access to the Mississippi River
Having access to the Mississippi River has provided many benefits to Illinois. Primary among these benefits is the ability to take advantage of the vast resources the river has to offer.
Over the years, the Mississippi River has acted as an important trade route for many different industries. For example, many companies have used the Mississippi River to transport their goods and materials over vast distances, which has in turn helped to bolster the economy.
In addition, the Mississippi River has served as a crucial source of water for the state of Illinois. This means that not only is the river responsible for providing clean water for drinking and bathing, but it’s also a key factor in providing irrigation and flood control.
The Mississippi River has also played a significant role in the state’s fishing industry. Over the years, many of the state’s fishing businesses have looked to the river as a prime source for fish, which has been integral to the growth of the industry.
Illinois’ Relationship with the Mississippi River
Illinois’ relationship with the Mississippi River has changed dramatically over the years. While the state has long relied on the resources of the river to bolster its economy and provide clean water for its residents, it has also been at the center of several serious environmental issues.
The prevalence of water pollution in the Mississippi River has been a major concern in the state of Illinois. This is due in part to the fact that the Mississippi River is one of the main sources of water pollution in the United States.
In addition, the prevalence of invasive species in the Mississippi River has been a major issue in Illinois and has had a major impact on the state’s fishing industry. These invasive species, such as Asian carp and zebra mussels, have caused significant disruptions to the state’s fish populations and have had a major impact on fishermen.
The state of Illinois has taken steps to address these environmental issues and has implemented several programs to help protect the resources of the Mississippi River. These programs have included efforts to reduce water pollution, limit the spread of invasive species, and restore fish populations in the river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear to see that Illinois does indeed border the Mississippi River, although not in the traditional sense of the term. Despite this, the state has still been able to reap the benefits of access to the river through its tributaries, while also facing the challenges posed by environmental issues caused by the river.
History Of Illinois and The Mississippi River
Illinois has a long history with the Mississippi River and its influence has been seen throughout the years in both positive and detrimental ways. Historically, the Mississippi River was a great source of both transportation and sustenance for Native Americans who lived in the region. The river was also important for trade amongst Native Americans and non-Native settlers who would later come to call the area their home.
The Mississippi River was also a location of conflict in the history of Illinois. In the 19th century, the people of Illinois were greatly divided between those who were pro-slavery and those who were abolitionists. During this period, battles were fought in order to secure the borders of Missouri and Free States. This period also saw a significant influx of European settlers who would help shape the future of the state.
Illinois and The Mississippi River Today
Illinois and the Mississippi River now have a much different relationship than they did during the 19th century. Today, the Mississippi River provides many environmental, economic, and recreational benefits to the state of Illinois.
The Mississippi River is an important source of drinking water and can accommodate recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Additionally, the river provides tremendous economic benefits for the state as it is a major shipping route for commercial and freight traffic.
The Mississippi River also helps to shape the aesthetic beauty of the state of Illinois. The river’s banks are lined with lush vegetation, which adds to the already stunning landscapes of the state.
The Preservation Of The Mississippi River
The preservation of the Mississippi River is critical for both the residents of Illinois and for the people of the United States. The river is a key waterway for commerce, transportation, and recreation and its importance to both the local and national economies cannot be understated.
In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce water pollution and the volume of pollutants flowing into the Mississippi River. These efforts have been incredibly successful and have enabled the river to flow more freely and with fewer pollutants.
The Mississippi River is also protected from over fishing and the introduction of invasive species. These protections are essential for sustaining fish populations and promoting a healthy river ecosystem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Does Illinois border the Mississippi River” is yes. While Illinois does not border the Mississippi River in the traditional sense, it does have access to the river through its tributaries. The Mississippi River has provided many benefits to Illinois over the years, but it has also posed some serious environmental issues. The preservation of the Mississippi River is essential for the protection of the environment and for the continued economic benefits it provides to the state and the nation.
