Running through the US States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana is the Mississippi River. This important body of water stretches 3,150 miles between Source and Mouth – making it the second-longest river in North America. So, does the Mississippi River go through Memphis, Tennessee? The answer is yes.
Memphis is situated on the southwestern corner of Tennessee, and it’s here that the mighty Mississippi River arcs northward, looping through the state before entering Arkansas. The Mississippi from Memphis is home to a range of important ecosystems, including native fishes, wetland habitats and migrating birds. Visitors to Memphis can follow trails that run along the riverbanks, taking in incredible views and learning about the city’s history and culture.
The importance of the Mississippi River to Memphis’ history is something that cannot be denied. From the days of steamboats, to the importance of the Memphis port – the river has been a major factor in the city’s growth and prosperity. Today, Memphis is one of the top three busiest inland ports in the United States and is a critical hub for transporting goods from the Midwest to the Gulf. The river also serves as a source of entertainment and recreation for locals, as it’s home to some of the best fishing spots in the region.
From a downstream perspective, the Mississippi River is not only a vital waterway for shipping and recreation, but it’s also a major source of power. The 295-mile section of the river between Memphis and Baton Rouge is the most heavily used river stretch in the world – with over 100 million gallons per day of water transported to turbines, providing power to at least eight states. Thanks to the river, Memphis and other nearby cities benefit from a steady stream of energy and economic development.
From an environmental perspective, the Mississippi River plays a major role in regulating temperatures and other environmental factors. The warm, muddy water released by the river helps to maintain the coastal ecosystems and coastal environment. The Mississippi River also affects the weather patterns of the Midwest, flooding certain areas and providing essential nutrients for plant growth. The temperature of the river also plays a role in the migration of fish and other aquatic species, with some species only swimming downstream mid-summer.
Looking further downstream, the Mississippi River plays an important role in irrigation for agriculture. The river has a strong connection to the Mississippi Delta, situated east of Memphis, stretching from the city of Vicksburg all the way to the Mississippi River. This area is home to a number of key wetland habitats and serves to protect the agricultural land from potential floods. Irrigation from the river also helps to mitigate against drought in the Delta, and provides locals with a reliable source of water.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River is a core part of the ecosystem in Memphis, playing a vital role in the city’s environment, recreational activities and economic development. As such, it is important to ensure that the waterway is adequately protected and managed in order to ensure its sustainability. Efforts are underway to introduce new measures to reduce the environmental impact of the river, such as reducing agricultural runoff and investing in better water monitoring systems.
Key Industries
There is no doubt that the Mississippi River is a key component of the Memphis economy. As one of the leading inland ports in the United States, Memphis is home to a number of industries that rely on access to the river’s waters, including the agricultural, automotive, and lumber industries. Reports suggest that over 250,000 jobs are related to the port, allowing for enormous economic benefits for the city. As such, it is unsurprising that the waterway continues to be an important factor in the long-term growth of the city.
Additionally, the river has enabled significant advances in technological infrastructure. In recent years, the Digital Delta Project has made great progress in improving the WiFi connectivity of the area – significantly improving the speed at which people can access the Internet. This project was made possible through the use of the river’s hydropower, helping regions east of Memphis gain access to high-speed connections.
The river has also provided major benefits in the tourism industry. With its scenic views and range of activities, Memphis is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers. Activities such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing are all available, giving visitors the opportunity to get a unique, close-up view of the river’s waters. With all these benefits, it is clear why the Mississippi River continues to be such an important part of Memphis and the surrounding areas.
Environmental Challenges
Despite the significant contributions the Mississippi River has to the Memphis economy, it also faces a number of environmental and sustainability challenges. Rising sea levels, climate change and anthropogenic influences have all had an adverse effect on the river. Pollution, runoff from agricultural land and depleted water sources are all growing problems, making it difficult for the waterway to remain healthy and in a state of good maintenance.
These challenges are further compounded by the presence of invasive species, particularly the Asian Carp. This species of fish has drastically affected the river’s food web, disrupting native species and their habitats. Additionally, this invasive species is incredibly prolific and difficult to control, furthering its threat to the long-term health of the river and its dependent species.
The fight to preserve the Mississippi River from unforeseen threats is ongoing and will require an immense amount of commitment. New and stronger conservation measures need to be taken in order to protect the ecosystems, habitats and wildlife of the river. This includes improved regulation and tighter controls on agricultural runoff as well as tighter enforcement of environmental regulations.
Economic Impact
The presence of the Mississippi River has allowed Memphis to become a major player in the US economy. The river itself acts as the main source of transportation in the region, enabling the movement of goods and materials both within and beyond the region. As such, the city has become an important port for trade, helping to support local businesses and create jobs.
The economic impact of the river has been immense. Studies suggest that, in 2019 alone, the port of Memphis handled over 13 million tons of goods, leading to a total economic output of about $3 billion in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). This has helped to bolster the local economy, creating jobs and other opportunities for residents.
Other ways in which the river has helped to support the local economy include providing tourism and recreational opportunities for visitors. As previously mentioned, the views and activities along the banks of the Mississippi River have become a major selling point for Memphis, with travelers enjoying the chance to explore the river’s waters and its surrounding natural beauty.
In addition to its importance as a tourist sites, the Mississippi River serves as a source of inspiration to many in the Memphis community. To many local artists, the river is a source of beauty, energy and inspiration – a key part of their identity and an important aspect of life in the city.
Creative Development
As a result of the economic impact of the Mississippi River and its importance to the local culture, Memphis has become a hub for creativity and innovation. Numerous initiatives have been introduced to ensure that the city’s creative sector can flourish, including the Metropolitan Memphis Creative Exchange (MMCE). This program is designed to help local creatives gain access to resources and educational opportunities in order to develop their creative skills.
Additionally, the Bluff Arts Program was established in 2018 and has supported a range of initiatives to further the development of Memphis’ art scene. This program helps to finance and provide support for small events that promote the growth of Memphis’ cultural identity, such as art shows, pop-up galleries and live performances.
Investment in the creative sector has also allowed Memphis to capitalize on public engagement, with public initiatives like the ‘Memphis In May’ festival offering free events and activities to the public. This festival has helped to promote the cultural identity of Memphis and its unique connection to the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Mississippi River has played an important role in the history and development of Memphis. From its importance to the local economy and environment, to its impact on the city’s cultural identity – the river is a major factor in the long-term growth and stability of the region. As such, it is essential that efforts are made to ensure that the waterway is adequately managed and protected, as well as ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
