Mississippi River, commonly known as the “Big Muddy”, is the second-longest river in the United States, stretching for about 2,320 miles. It is one of the most significant rivers in North America, druing the entire course with only one border crossing, the United States-Canada border. This great river divides the United States into east and west, north and south, and its basin covers parts of 29 American states. The United States is divided in two great areas, both of which are equally important, but they are very different from one another, both in economic as well as in social matters.
The Mississippi River has been an important trade and transportation hub for centuries and more. In fact, its importance for the Amerindian is evident in the thousands of place names in the river basin that have their origin among the indigenous tribes of the area. For example, the word “Mississippi” itself is derived from the Sioux language and means “big river”. Thanks to its economic importance, the Mississippi River was part of the Louisiana Purchase by the United States in 1803, during President Thomas Jefferson’s administration.
Experts believe that the Mississippi River divides the US into two quite different parts. To the east are the cities of the Northeastern and Midwest, while to the west are the prairies and deserts of the South, Midwest and Southwest. While the eastern states are characterized by a larger population and a more urbanized economy, most of the western states rely on agriculture and manufacturing supplemented by tourism, and the cities are more spread out and geographically isolated. The river is also the main contributor to a divide between rich and poor, with the western part of the country mostly represented by lower- and middle-income families, while the east side is wealthier.
In terms of politics, the Mississippi River does not just divide the US into two different regions, but also two different ideologies. To the South and East of the river, there is a certain political ideology that assumes more conservative values in comparison to the Northern and Western states, which are more progressive. This is why the river is often considered as a clear line between the red and the blue, a divide between the two main political parties in the US.
Moreover, the Mississippi River has also been a witness to the changing face of the United States of America. Although the two sides of the river were, at first, largely similar, industrialization and immigration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries transformed the political, social and economic landscape of the United States, with the areas east of the river evolving differently from the west.
Today, the waterway remains a hub of activity, serving as a gateway to the heartland of the country and driving agriculture, trade, and the economy in general. It has enabled the US to trade its way through poor times, such as when it was affected by the Great Recession, thanks to its increased importance in global shipping traffic.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River’s importance doesn’t just lie in its economic and political gains, but it also has an impressive environmental impact on the United States. It is the source of water for 30 million people, 31 percent of the country’s agricultural land and 8 percent of total industry. In addition, the river is home to more than 260 species of fish, mammals, and birds, making it an essential part of the national ecosystem.
The Mississippi River has also been one of the most important instruments in the fight against climate change. The river has been a key factor in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by absorbing and storing large amounts of greenhouse gases, thus playing a key role in maintaining the habitats of local species.
Unfortunately, the river’s environmental impact has been marred in recent years by severe pollution and wastewater released into its waters by both upstream and downstream communities. This has led to the spread of harmful pollutants and toxins that have been linked to numerous health issues in humans, particularly in those living in rural areas.
The contamination and deterioration of the river have led to the implementation of various protection and conservation measures by the United States government. This includes the implementation of new rules and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act and the Mississippi River Basin Management Plan, which aim to reduce and control water pollution.
Aviation Impact
In addition to its impact on the economy and environment, the Mississippi River has also had a major effect on aviation and air travel in the United States. Most of the air traffic in the US passes over the river and can be seen from the shore line. Meanwhile, the commercial airports of the South and West, such as the ones in Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles, are situated west of the river.
Furthermore, many of the important routes and hubs of aircraft travel in the United States follow the course of the Mississippi River, as it is one of the most natural and efficient paths for aviation, allowing for the quick and efficient navigation of the country from East to West and vice versa. For example, the route between Chicago and New Orleans is almost entirely along the river.
It is no surprise, then, that the Mississippi River has had such a significant impact on the economy and environment of the United States. It is a geographical landmark that has been central to the growth and development of the country, and continues to serve as a dividing line between the two great regions of the United States, the North and the South.
Agricultural Impact
The Mississippi River is particularly important to the agricultural activity of the US. Its vast basin covers parts of 29 states, every single one of them with several of the prominent crops in the United States. Corn, soybeans, cotton and other main crops of the country are grown and harvested in the many important farming areas of the Mississippi Basin, with each state having a level of production different than the rest, depending on its climate and soil.
The river itself helps to increase the overall productivity of the nation’s agricultural industry. In its lower course along the Gulf of Mexico, the river is used for irrigation, with water from the Gulf waters being pumped into the riverside farms for irrigation and fertilization. This allows for better crop yields and larger harvests.
The river is also used for shipping and transportation of these produce, since the vast majority of the grain produced in the US is shipped through the Mississippi Basin, particularly to ports in the Southwest and in the Gulf of Mexico. By doing this, farmers and agricultural businesses can save a great amount of money in transport costs, as the river provides an efficient and cost-effective way to distribute the goods nationally.
Recreational Activities
The Mississippi River also provides abundant opportunities for recreational activities. People living in the US Gulf Coast and in the surrounding areas of the Mississippi Basin can benefit from its scenic beauty by doing activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking and more. There is something for everyone, from anglers trying to catch the prized catfish, to those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the river.
The river can also be visited in many different ways, with several State Parks located along its entire course. Visiting the Big Muddy’s shorelines and banks provides a unique and beautiful experience, as the many islands and bends of the river provide perfect opportunities for taking photographs and admiring its natural beauty.
In addition, the river has also become an important part of the recent surge in the tourism industry of the US. Thanks to the access it provides to some of the most beautiful and rural areas of the country, the Mississippi River offers a great chance for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the southern states and its surroundings.
Final Impact
The Mississippi River has been an event in the life of the United States since its discovery by the Europeans in the 16th century. Throughout its long history, the river has served as a border and an anchor point for different political, social and economic developments. It has affected the US economy and environment through increased trade, shipping and transportation of goods, agricultural activities and more.
The river has also been responsible for the division of the United States into two different sides. The political divides, economic disparities, tourism and recreational activities heavily depend on the Mississippi River’s course. Moreover, the different climates and soils of the basin have been essential to the development of the national agricultural industry.
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is a crucial part of the United States’ history and landscape. It has shaped the country to what it is today, and it continues to be an important factor in the US economy and environment. Thanks to the river, the US has been able to persist through tough times and develop its resources to a higher degree.
