The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in North America and is also the largest tributary to the Gulf of Mexico. With a length of 2320 miles, the Mississippi is considered the “Father of Waters” and its watershed houses almost a third of the United States population. Despite its immense size, the Mississippi River does not flow through the city of Chicago, but rather the Chicago River, a 145-mile waterway owned and managed by the City of Chicago.
The Chicago River was initially designed to flow in the same direction as the Mississippi, but it has been reversed in recent years into an artificial flow towards the Gulf of Mexico. This is a result of many years of human interference, beginning with the construction of the Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900, which routed the Chicago River into the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
The current Chicago River is a man-made waterway, engineered in leisurely stages over the course of more than 140 years, beginning in 1871 with the construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Over the years, the Chicago River has been deepening, widening, and straightening its path through the city, culminating in the 1980s when man-made locks, dams, and gates were installed to control the waterway’s speed and direction. The river was opened to navigation in 1895, and since then has become an important part of the city’s transportation system.
The river is now an integral part of the Chicago transportation system and serves as a link between the city’s North and South Sides. By providing an efficient and enjoyable mode of transportation in the city, the river has allowed for the construction of tourist sites such as Navy Pier, China Town, and the Riverwalk.
Although most Chicagoans are unaware of it, the Chicago River remains an important part of our city’s history and identity. The city has been built, literally and figuratively, around the river and its interconnected network of waterways. From the bridges that connect the city to the beautiful homes lining the river’s banks, the river has truly shaped the character of the city
Despite the immense size and power of the Mississippi River, it will never flow through the city of Chicago, as its flow and direction were reversed as a result of human interference. Instead, the Chicago River provides a unique and man-made link between the city’s North and South Sides, along with one of the most efficient modes of transportation in the city.
Environmental Impact
The Chicago River and its network of waterways have a significant environmental impact. Waterways often act as indicator species that help detect the levels of pollutants present in the environment. Since the river branches and winds its way through the city, pollutants from runoff, such as oil, sediment, and bacteria, can add up quickly.
Also, an artificial river system is often more prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall, as the natural flow of the river is often disrupted by man-made engineering efforts. The Chicago region experienced devastating flooding in April of 2013 due to a record-breaking surge in the river’s water levels. Fortunately, the impact was not as severe as it could have been because the river was monitored and dams were put in place to contain the water.
The effects of climate change are only further implicating our river systems, and areas such as the city of Chicago that rely on the river for transportation or recreation should monitor the situation closely. Increased water temperature, flooding, and decreased levels of oxygen existing in waterbodies are common side effects of climate change.
In light of this, Chicagoans should take measures to limit their environmental impact, such as properly disposing of unwanted waste, avoiding the use of plastic wherever possible, and becoming more aware of the pollutants that can be found in the river’s waters.
Recreational Activity
The Chicago River’s man-made current and the city’s increasing population of recreational boaters has led to the development of a wide variety of water activities. The river today is home to a bustling built environment, including restaurants and businesses, which line its banks. The river is widely used for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
The city of Chicago has also taken steps to ensure that the river is a safe and enjoyable tourist destination, such as the Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian-friendly path along the river. Kayaking or canoeing in Chicago has become increasingly popular in recent years, with tours and rentals of boats becoming more widely available throughout the city. The popular riverside attractions, including rooftop bars, parks, and cafes, allow people to sit back and enjoy the scenery of the Chicago River.
The river also allows Chicagoans to enjoy the outdoors, exercising the muscles and lungs with invigorating activities while getting to know the city’s architectural landmarks at the same time. In addition to paddling activities, the Chicago River is a popular spot for bird watchers, who find its sandy banks and warm waters to be particularly attractive to birds.
Native Species
The Chicago River is home to a variety of native species that can often be difficult to find in other parts of the city. The river is home to over 60 species of fish, 21 species of crayfish, and an abundance of migratory birds. The river is also a haven for beavers, muskrats, mink, and river otters, who rely heavily on its warm waters for shelter.
Chicagoans are increasingly taking steps to protect the native species living in the river, from installing artificial nesting boxes for birds to initiating restoration projects that help clean the river of pollutants. These measures provide a great opportunity for people to connect with the river and the environment in meaningful ways, while helping to create a healthier and more accessible ecosystem.
The Chicago River is home to a variety of native species and it is important for Chicagoans to take care of the river and its inhabitants. Cleaning up pollutants, creating artificial nesting boxes, and initiating restoration projects are just a few of the ways people can help protect the river’s native species and habitats.
Economic Benefits
The Chicago River has become an economic force in the city of Chicago, with the construction of commercial and residential buildings along its banks. The river is also responsible for increasing tourism in the city, with tourists and locals alike enjoying the new restaurants and attractions built along the river.
The river has also brought jobs and business to the area, with companies utilizing the river’s resources to transport goods and services throughout the city. In addition, the transportation of goods and services along the river has created a corridor of sorts between the city’s north and south sides, improving commerce and increasing the city’s economic viability.
The presence of the river has also had a positive effect on property values in the city, bringing in businesses and residents who are willing to pay premium prices for their homes near the waterfront. The Chicago River has become a valuable asset to the city and it is essential to make sure the river is properly cared for if its economic benefits are to be fully realized.
The economic benefits of the river are numerous, making it essential that its resources continue to be utilized in a manner that benefits the city’s residents. Keeping the river clean and well managed will help ensure that businesses, residents, and tourists can continue to enjoy the river’s beauty and potential for growth.
Conclusion
The Chicago River is an incredibly important part of the city of Chicago and its history. Despite the Mississippi River taking centre stage in North American waterways, the Chicago River serves an important purpose for the city. It provides excellent recreation opportunities, is home to a variety of native species, and brings about significant economic benefits for the city and its residents. It’s essential, therefore, that efforts are made to ensure the river is taking care of so that it can continue to benefit the people of Chicago in the long-term.
