Kentucky and the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the greatest rivers in the United States, and it flows through many states, including Kentucky. The river starts its journey in the state of Minnesota and it reaches the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. Along its more than two thousand nine hundred miles of length, it passes through some of the most impressive landscapes in the country, acting as a form of a natural border between the states of Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky. Even though it is mostly known for its peculiar bends and sharp turns, when it passes through Kentucky, it takes a surprisingly direct route, which makes it rather unique within the states it touches.
It is important to note that, despite being so close to the Mississippi River, Kentucky does not have any navigable river ports. This is due to the fact that the river does not have enough depth for larger vessels to move with ease. However, the existence of the river is appreciated in the state, as it provides a stunning view from the shoreline cities like Paducah and also has a big presence in the regional culture.
In terms of its economic impact in Kentucky, the river helps the state by connecting it to the larger markets of the Southern United States. It is also a source of drinking water but most importantly, it is a source of life. It offers nourishment to the plants and animals that inhabit the shores and it has often been used as a legitimate source of income, mainly through fishing.
Despite mainly providing these benefits, the presence of the Mississippi River can also be a dangerous thing. From floods that can devastate the area to natural disasters, there is always a dark side to the presence of a great body of water. However, due to the higher elevation of its banks in this section, the surrounding towns and Fort Massac State Park are mostly safe from the dangers of a potential flood.
What’s more, the river has been a source of inspiration in the area for many years. At times referred to as ‘The Old Man’, it has been in the attention of storytellers and writers for centuries. This has helped to build an appreciation for the unique landscapes it provides, and has generated a deeper understanding of the specific charm of the Mississippi River in Kentucky.
Environmental Effects
Speaking of appreciation of the environment, the Mississippi River also has a big environmental impact on the state of Kentucky, a few of which will be discussed in this section. Contextually, the river is more than two thousand nine hundred miles long, and it unfortunately collects a lot of waste along the course of its river. Much of this waste is delivered to Kentucky via the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, which are tributaries to the Mississippi, and create a dead zone where organic life cannot exist.
More than this, the river has also been an engine for activity related to climate change. Due to natural processes and the immense amount of human activity along its banks, the temperature of the Mississippi’s water is significantly higher than that of its tributaries. This has started to cause big changes in the plant and wildlife in the area, and is alarming experts, due to how it can potentially affect the global ecosystem in a number of different ways.
Finally, as a source of drinking water in the area, the Mississippi River is of utmost importance, not only in Kentucky, but all along its path. Every day, millions of Americans are using the river for sanitation and hygiene, and because of its volatile makeup, the river requires constant monitoring to find the proper balance between the safety from pollutants and the availability of fresh water. This problem has been identified and it has been one of the topics most closely analyzed over the past few years.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River also has a big influence over the economy of Kentucky, and it can be seen in the bigger cities that are situated close to its banks. Areas like Paducah are profiting a lot from the businesses that rely on the river, primarily the freight and fishing industry.
Furthermore, even though the river is mostly shallow in Kentucky and cannot host larger vessels, the existence of its river ports is still beneficial to the local economy. Areas like The Four Rivers Alliance are hugely capitalizing on their direct proximity to the Mississippi River, due to their facilities to ship cargo on a daily basis. This is also beneficial to the connection between the state of Kentucky and the larger markets of the south.
Apart from this, the tourism industry is also profiting from the river, as it happens to be the location of a few well-known landmarks. Some examples include The Old Slave Mart in Paducah, their iconic bridges and The National Quilt Museum. All of these are helping to expand the local economy and also enriching visitors’ experiences.
Food Production
As a source of food, the Mississippi River is of enormous importance to the people of Kentucky. This is due to the fact that fishing is one of the main recreational activities available in the area. The existence of the big catfishes and other fish species are driving the small scale commercial fishing industry in the region, as well as its respective restaurants and business owners.
In addition to this, the gravel beds of the Mississippi River are home to mussels and other shellfish types, which are consumed by many of the local people. In fact, mussel farming is a growing industry in Kentucky, and no doubt the Mississippi River will remain at the center of it. In this sense, it is clear that the river is a source of life for the entire state.
Pollution
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River also faces big problems of pollution. The big issue with regards to this is that the river has a major role in the pollution of its tributaries, due to its large volume of water. Every year, large volumes of waste and heavy metals enter the river’s waters, making them unsuitable for consumption and even dangerous for exposed life forms.
To solve this problem, the nation’s governments have put in place different programs and regulations to reduce waste entering the Mississippi. Through public awareness campaigns and public policies, the government tries to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river and its tributaries. However, the problem is vast and it requires the unified effort of many parties to be solved in the near future.
Legacy
Finally, the Mississippi River is an iconic figure of geography and culture in the United States. It has a long legacy of inspiring stories and legends, and it has been at the center of many historical events. From wars and political confrontations to commercial activity and trade, the Mississippi has been no less than a giant amongst rivers.
Speaking of the cultural aspect of the river, the Mississippi has been at the center of many expressive forms, including painting, literature and music. Even today, it is still widely used as a source of inspiration, and looking at it from the banks of Kentucky. It becomes a symbol of the strength and determination of this magnificent river.
Recreation
The Mississippi River is also a great recreational spot because of its broad and accessible shores. Here, many people enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking or biking. Apart from this, the river and its banks are the places of some of the most acclaimed music and performing events of the United States. Here, many people come out to listen to their favorite singers and bands, or to watch their beloved theatrical shows.
In addition to all of this, the Mississippi River is a great place for nature lovers because of the beautiful sights it offers. From the big rocky walls to its shores, and the giant trees that inhabit them, the Mississippi is a great place to visit and admire. As a main source of life in the area, the Mississippi River will keep playing a huge role in the cultural and natural life of the people of Kentucky for many years to come.
