What Is the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world, running 2,320 miles from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi is thought to be the longest river system in North America, and is shared by 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Its shallow depth, winding path, and extensive tributaries make it the lifeblood of many states, with many major cities located along its path, including St. Louis, MO, Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA.
Does Kentucky Touch the Mississippi River?
The answer is no, Kentucky does not touch the Mississippi River. The northernmost point of Kentucky lies just beneath the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, where Illinois and Missouri share a boundary, but no Kentucky county is adjacent to the Mississippi. Instead, Kentucky is bisected by the boundary between the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, and lies alongside the Cumberland River near the Tennessee border.
How is the River Used in Kentucky?
Despite its lack of direct proximity to the Mississippi River, Kentucky has been heavily shaped by its presence and use. The Ohio River, which borders the state along a large portion of its northern side, was an important source of transportation for early settlers, as well as for goods and materials that were shipped from east to west. The Cumberland River, although not as wide or significant as the Ohio, was also important for settlement, travel and commerce. Reaching up to 460 miles in length, the Cumberland River cuts through Middle Tennessee and Cumberland Gap before crossing the northern tip of Kentucky on its way to the Ohio River.
What Is the Economy Like Along the Mississippi’s Path?
Due to its massive size and proximity to major cities like St. Louis and New Orleans, the Mississippi River is an essential artery for the economy of several states. Though Kentucky does not touch the Mississippi, it still relies on its trade and maritime transportation for economic innovation and growth. The ports along the Mississippi, such as New Orleans and Memphis, provide transportation for goods and services, as well as a source of employment for the citizens of Kentucky.
The Politics of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has long been a source of contention between states due to its valuable economic resource. Mississippi had a contentious relationship with Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri in the early part of the 20th century, as each fought for rights to the river and its trade routes. The Supreme Court was forced to resolve the various disputes and eventually awarded Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri access to the Mississippi River. This decision eventually led to Kentucky’s reliance on the Mississippi for shipping and maritime transportation, as mentioned before.
The Impact of the Mississippi on Kentucky
Despite Kentucky’s lack of direct contact with the Mississippi, its influence has been immense. The river and its surrounding states have provided Kentucky with both economic opportunities as well as sources of labor, as citizens of Mississippi and its neighboring states migrated to Kentucky in search of work. This influx of immigration to Kentucky has helped to shape the state’s culture, economy, and population.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is a defining feature of the landscape it passes through, and much of Kentucky’s landscape has been affected by its presence. One key example of this is the fact that the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers are not navigable in Kentucky due to the presence of waterfalls, which were caused by the Mississippi River eroding away at the landscape for thousands of years. The impact of the Mississippi has also been felt in terms of environmental degradation, as the river is subject to pollution from states all across its path.
Climate and Weather
The Mississippi is an important factor when it comes to climate and weather, with the river providing moisture and cooler temperatures in the summer months. This can lead to increased levels of precipitation in the states bordering the Mississippi, including Kentucky, which can be beneficial for local farms and crops. The presence of the Mississippi River can also be felt in terms of average temperatures in the region, with larger cities like Louisville and Lexington, KY benefiting from the river’s presence in terms of warmer winter temperatures.
Agricultural Potential
The presence of the Mississippi River has had an effect on Kentucky’s agriculture industry, providing moisture and nutrients to the soil that can enhance crop growth and yields. Additionally, Kentucky lies on the southern edge of large transportation networks that are enabled by the existence of the Mississippi and its associated rivers, which provides both farmers and traders with access to potential markets in other states.
Flood Risk
While the Mississippi River can be beneficial to those in Kentucky, it also presents potential risks. The river is prone to floods due to its shallow depth and wide breadth, and flooding can devastate communities in its path. In Kentucky, the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers are susceptible to flooding from the Mississippi, resulting in excessive water damage and displacement of citizens from their homes.
Recreational Opportunities
The Mississippi River is a source of recreational activities for citizens of Kentucky, and there are many opportunities for fishing, rafting, and camping along the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. There are also many trails that can be explored along the waterways, providing a connection to nature and a chance to explore the surrounding landscape.
Environmental Protection
The Mississippi River is a source of life for those in its path, but it is also subject to potential threats due to pollution and harmful runoff. As such, many states have taken measures to protect the river, such as introducing water quality standards and regulations, and have implemented education programs to ensure that citizens are aware of the importance of protecting the river and its tributaries. In Kentucky, organizations like the Kentucky Waterways Alliance have been extremely active in their efforts to protect the rivers in their state, as well as advocating for federal legislation that benefit the river and its inhabitants.
Conclusion
Though Kentucky does not directly touch the Mississippi River, its influence on the state is undeniable. From transportation and trade to recreational opportunities, Kentucky has benefitted significantly from the presence of the river, allowing for economic innovation and growth. The state of Kentucky also has a responsibility to protect its waters from pollution and contamination, and organizations like the Kentucky Waterways Alliance have been a vital part of protecting the state’s waterways.
