The Mississippi River is an important natural resource that is indispensable for over half a million Americans across ten states. Its source is Lake Itasca in Minnesota, and it ends at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. As the nation’s longest and most heavily trafficked inland waterway, it forms the backbone of the waterborne commerce system in the US and is considered important to transportation, industry, recreation and the environment. Does the Mississippi River flow through Missouri? Yes, it does, and this section will examine this and provide further insight.
History of the Mississippi and Missouri
The Mississippi River has been around for centuries and played an important role in Native American cultures before becoming mainly a transportation corridor for fur traders and settlers in the 1600s and 1700s. In the 1800s the mighty Mississippi was the most important transportation route and provided the southern states with access to regional and global markets. As the farmers settled over the floodplains of the Mississippi, Missouri joined it as a major transport hub with the invention of steamboats and an extensive network of railroads.
For centuries communities have flourished along the banks of the Mississippi and its tributaries, with Missouri being one of the largest states that it passes through on its journey southwards. From the source at Lake Itasca, the Mississippi flows south and east to the border with Wisconsin then turns to pass through Iowa and Illinois, before entering the United States’s fifteenth largest state – Missouri.
The Mississippi River in Missouri
The Mississippi River forms the eastern border of Missouri, separating the state from Illinois, Arkansas and Tennessee. It covers a distance of nearly 600 miles throughout the state, creating an expansive ecosystem rich in both plant and animal life. Its waters are rich in nutrients, making it an important food source for Muskrats, Birds and Deer, and the Mangroves, Cypress and Anoxia Swamps it creates within the watershed of the river provide a unique habitat for vegetation and wildlife.
In Missouri, you’ll find the state’s largest cities along the river. Six of its largest cities, St Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, St Joseph, Hannibal and Chesterfield are located in the Mississippi River basin, where the water from the river is used to irrigate fields, fish and other agricultural purposes. The river also plays an essential role in recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, camping and more throughout the state.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is known to be one of the most polluted rivers in the world, with pollution coming from industrial, agricultural and runoff sources. In the past, this pollution had the potential to harm drinking water, aquatic life, recreation, and even the physical landscapes in the state. The federal government has enacted a number of laws that have improved the quality of the water and by the 1970s, it was largely considered safe for swimming and other recreational activities.
The environment also benefited from a number of conservation efforts aimed at preserving the wildlife that inhabit the region. Along the banks of the Mississippi, wetlands have been preserved and replanted with native species such as bald cypress and oaks. These efforts have also helped reduce the amount of pollution that enters the water, promoting the health of the environment in Missouri and beyond.
Impact of the Mississippi on People and Economy
The Mississippi is an important resource to business and people in the state of Missouri. Over two-thirds of the state’s population live in the Mississippi River Basin and many businesses rely on the river for transportation, drinking water and other essential resources. Industries such as tourism, agriculture, fishing and shipping benefit from access to the Mississippi and provide jobs for many Missourians. Furthermore, it is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, jet skiing and more.
In addition to providing economic benefits, the Mississippi river provides an important psychological link to the area’s culture and heritage. The lore, stories and songs that surround the Mississippi River demonstrate the deep sense of pride many Missourians have for their state, and the importance it holds in their hearts.
Mississippi River floods
Due to its expansive watershed and large volume of water flow throughout Missouri and other states, the Mississippi River often experiences floods when precipitation is above average. These floods can cause tremendous damage to homes and businesses, leading to evacuations and other preventative measures to keep citizens safe. The floods can also cause significant economic losses by damaging crops, interrupting business operations, and impairing infrastructure.
The Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies have taken steps to reduce the effects of flooding in Missouri and other parts of the Mississippi. These measures include building levees and dams, installing flood walls, and issuing evacuation orders. These steps have been successful in reducing the impacts of flooding, but recent events have shown that more needs to be done in order to reduce future losses.
Mississippi River Projects
Projects have been underway for years to increase the levels of agricultural, recreational and ecological use of the Mississippi River. The federal government has contributed to the efforts in Missouri by stabilizing shorelines, improving navigation, constructing new dams and levees, dredging and more. In addition, environmental organizations are actively working towards the preservation of the river, aiming to reduce the number of pollutants entering the water, protecting the watersheds and promoting education initiatives.
These efforts are helping to secure the future of the Mississippi River, and providing multiple uses to communities across ten US states, with Missouri being one of the largest areas of importance. As the nation’s longest and most heavily trafficked waterway, continuing to develop its potential will no doubt come with great rewards.
Impact of the Mississippi on Economy
The importance of the Mississippi River to the economy of Missouri cannot be understated. The river is a major carrier for agricultural crops and manufactured goods, providing a vital transportation channel to global markets. In addition, the river basin is home to a variety of industries such as forestry, energy production, manufacturing, and tourism that contribute to the state’s overall economic activity.
The Mississippi goes beyond providing transportation and is also the source of many other economic activities. Fishery is a large industry that uses the river for obtaining food resources and providing jobs for many Missourians. The river is also used for recreation, and its vast beauty continues to draw tourists to the state each year.
The Power of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has played an important role in shaping the history of Missouri, and its power and influence continue to be felt today. From providing sustenance to providing a transportation route, the river has been an integral part of the life of Missourians for generations. The Mississippi River is also a source of pride and identity, and its continued protection and preservation is essential for promoting its economic, environmental, and cultural potential.
The Mississippi is an ever-changing force that constantly influences its environment. While parts of it have been tamed for transportation and other needs, nature continues to be unpredictable in some sections. Despite the unpredictable nature of the Mississippi, Missourians are still able to utilize its many benefits and view it as both a sustainable and necessary resource.
Crossing the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is a beautiful and powerful body of water, but it also poses a challenge to those attempting to cross it. The Mississippi’s unpredictable nature, combined with its wide breadth, can make it difficult to bridge. However, communities have managed to construct a number of bridges connecting Missouri cities with Illinois and other states.
The Glennon Heights Bridge in St. Louis, the Eads Bridge in Clarksville, and the Cable Bridge in Hannibal are all examples of crossings that have connected Missouri with other states. These bridges have given people the ability to travel across the Mississippi, connecting cultures, economies and families, making them an important part of life in Missouri.
Missouri River Riverfront Development
In recent years, St. Louis and other cities along the Mississippi have taken advantage of the riverfront by constructing a string of parks and recreation areas. These areas are designed to beautify the riverfront while allowing access to outdoor activities such as fishing, bird viewing, biking, and walks. In addition, many cities have developed restaurants and shops along the riverfront to promote commercial development.
These developments also help educate people about the importance of the Mississippi and its importance to both the environment and economy of Missouri. The riverfront projects also provide an opportunity to explore the state’s rich history and heritage, as each location along the river offers rare glimpses into a time long past.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an essential part of life in Missouri, providing transportation, sustenance, recreation, and so much more. Although the amount of pollution in the river has decreased over the years, it is still important to take steps to ensure its future is not compromised. The river also provides a unique connection to the state’s history and culture, and its continued development will no doubt lead to greater economic, environmental, and cultural success.
