The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and is often described as the backbone of America’s culture. Connecting many major metropolitan areas, the river offers an integrated infrastructure for the transportation and transportation of goods in the U.S. But, does the Mississippi River go through St. Louis?
The answer is no. The Mississippi River does not run directly through St. Louis, however, it does flow near the city. St. Louis is located where the Missouri River intersects with the Mississippi River, creating an interesting border between the two rivers.
According to Stephen J. Del Giudice, a geographer with the United States Geological Survey, the Mississippi River flows around the greater St. Louis area, creating a crescent-shaped arc. This arc is often referred to as the Gateway Arch, which is a series of bridges, islands, and channels that connect St. Louis and the surrounding areas to the Mississippi River.
The Gateway Arch serves an important function for St. Louis, providing a connection between the Mississippi River and the rest of the Midwest. With its laid-back atmosphere and low cost of living, St. Louis is an attractive city for people who want to relax and take in all that the Mississippi River has to offer.
However, according to the St. Louis Tourism website, the lack of direct access to the Mississippi River has had a negative impact on the city, as it has limited St. Louis’s ability to develop its riverfront areas, and the city is continuing to explore ways in which it can better utilize the River.
Given its location near the mouth of the Missouri River, the Mississippi contributes significantly to the economic clout of Greater St. Louis. The majority of the city’s industrial activity takes place on the shores of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, as well as on the handful of islands within the mouth of the two rivers.
In addition to the challenge of limited river access, other factors have hindered the city’s development of the riverfront. These include high levels of sedimentation, erosion, and pollution from agricultural activities and urban runoff, as well as flooding in the spring and summer months.
Fortunately, there are efforts underway to address the river’s environmental issues. The St. Louis Regional Clean Water Partners is working to reduce the amount of pollution entering the Mississippi River and to invest in green infrastructure projects. These efforts are already making an impact: levels of harmful bacteria and nitrogen pollution have declined significantly in recent years.
U.S. Infrastructure
In addition to providing economic benefits, the Mississippi River plays an important role in the national infrastructure system. The river is the primary source of water for many major cities, including St. Louis. Its two tributaries—the Missouri River and the Ohio River—connect to the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes, serving as hubs for the shipping of goods and resources.
The Mississippi River also plays an important role in the traffic of goods on the waterways. The river links the Gulf of Mexico to the major inland port of Chicago, providing a vital connection for global trade. Everything from food to manufactured products passes through these ports, including commodities like petroleum, coal, and other materials necessary for the country’s economic prosperity.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Navy, and the Coast Guard are all involved in the maintenance of the river. They are responsible for controlling floods, managing the shipping channels, maintaining the navigational systems, and responding to environmental threats. In addition, they are actively researching and developing new technologies to protect the river and its resources.
The Mississippi River also provides a habitat for many species of plants and animals. The number of fish species has been steadily increasing in recent years, with the reintroduction of native species like sturgeon, paddlefish, and gar. Birds, turtles, frogs, and other aquatic species also live in and around the river.
Local Economy
The Mississippi River has become an important part of the economy for many towns and cities along its banks. These communities rely on the river for tourism and recreation, fishing, and manufacturing.
In St. Louis, the local economy depends on the river in many ways. Businesses have opened along the riverfront, offering restaurants, river cruises, and other services for tourists and locals alike. And the large number of ships that travel the river make it an important hub for industry and commerce.
The Mississippi River has also shaped the city’s culture. There’s an appreciation of the river’s history as a prominent part of the city’s identity, and there’s strong support for continued efforts to restore and protect it. Events like the Mississippi River Festival and the Great River Film Festival bring together the region’s diverse communities and celebrate the river’s impact on their lives.
The presence of the Mississippi River has also attracted many new residents and businesses to the area, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. This, in turn, has helped to reduce the rate of poverty in St. Louis, as well as create new opportunities for education.
Environmental Impact
The environment around the Mississippi River has been heavily impacted by human activity, with a great deal of pollution coming from industries and farms along the river. This pollution has had a negative impact on the water quality and aquatic life in the river, as well as on the health of the plants and animals that depend on the river.
There are a number of organizations that are taking steps to clean up the river and to reduce the effects of pollution on the environment. Organizations like the Sierra Club, River Network, and The Nature Conservancy are working to raise awareness about the issues and to encourage responsible environmental practices.
In addition, government agencies and state governments are implementing policies to reduce the level of pollution in the water. These efforts include establishing permits and regulations for industries that use the river, implementing best management practices for farming, and improving stormwater management to reduce the amount of runoff that enters the river.
These efforts are starting to pay off, as the water quality of the Mississippi River has shown an overall improvement over the last decade. Still, the river faces many challenges, and continued investment in the health of the river is necessary to ensure its long-term protection.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important economic and cultural resource for St. Louis and the surrounding area. It provides access to the global economy and serves as a valuable habitat for plants and animals. Despite its challenges, the river is thriving and has become a source of pride for the region. As we continue to invest in the health of the river and address environmental issues, we can ensure that the Mississippi River will be safe, healthy, and enjoyable for generations to come.
