Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in North America and its origins are in the north-central part of the continent where it flows southwards towards the Gulf of Mexico. For centuries, this river has been the scene of great trade, cultural exchange and exploration for many different peoples that have travelled along or crossed it during their voyages. But does the immense Mississippi River run through Canton, Missouri? The answer is no! Despite its close proximity, the Mississippi River does not run through Canton, MO.
In the nineteenth century, the Mississippi River served as a major highway of transportation and communication for North American settlers. By this time in time, the river had already come a long way. Over its lengthy course, it stretches some 4,000 miles, stretching over a dozen U.S. states—from Minnesota in the north to Louisiana in the south—as well as two Canadian provinces. It is certainly a source of great economic and cultural significance, having been channeled throughout the United States as a vital part of its developing infrastructure.
The river’s proximity to Canton, MO is probably one of the main reasons why people often mistake the city to be located along the great Mississippi River. Canton, MO is located in the northeast corner of the state and the closest point to the Mississippi River is approximately 75 miles away in Hannibal, MO. Despite being the birthplace of Mark Twain, Hannibal is not considered to be actually on the Mississippi River, but is considered to be situated on one of its tributaries, the Des Moines River. This river eventually merges into the Mississippi River in Western Illinois, and from there it continues southwards all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
In fact, the nearest thing to an actual connection with the Mississippi River for Canton, MO, is actually located in the nearby city of Quincy, IL. Quincy is located less than 56 miles away and it is actually within the watershed of the great river. Quincy is considered to be a major port town on the Mississippi River and it is known as the “Gateway to the West.” The port at Quincy Metropark serves as a major gateway for trade and business activity that travels through the Mississippi River on to other ports and locations along the entire length of the river.
Though the Mississippi River does not, in fact, run through Canton, MO, the city is still an important or strategic transportation hub for the American Midwest. The city is located on the west bank of the Des Moines River and has been an important port since its early days in the mid-nineteenth century. It connects the upper midwest with the southern states and is situated exactly half way between Chicago, IL and Memphis, TN. This makes it an important stopover point that is not situated directly on the Mississippi River.
Even though Canton, MO is not located on the Mississippi River, it is still located in a rich and active river valley region. It is connected to other nearby cities such as Hannibal, Kirksville and Quincy and there is plenty of recreational opportunities and activities such as camping, fishing and rafting that can be enjoyed almost year-round. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails, parks, and outdoor attractions that are scattered throughout the region and provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Here, one can take in the sights and sounds of the mighty Mississippi River without ever having to set foot in the waters themselves.
Other Tributaries of Misssissippi River
In addition to the Des Moines River, the Mississippi River flows through or alongside many other tributary rivers that provide important sources of water to the region. These rivers include the Arkansas, the Ohio, the Caddo, the Wisconsin, the Kansas, the White, the Red, and the St. Croix Rivers. All of these rivers eventually merge into the Mississippi in different parts of its course, and eventually, all of the waters of the Mississippi River eventually drain into the Gulf of Mexico. This network of tributary rivers allows for important trade, transportation, and ecological activities to co-exist and thrive within the region.
Furthermore, these rivers have also served as the lifeblood of numerous traditional cultures and peoples. The Native American tribes that were once native to the region held a deep respect and understanding for the resources and water systems that the Mississippi provides. They had extensive interactions with the river and its environment and most of their culture revolved around the livelihood it provided. Even today, tribes continue to revere the Mississippi River as one of the major sources of life.
The Mississippi River is also an important source of electricity in the region, serving as a major fuel for numerous power plants that provide electricity for several states. There are several hydroelectric plants on the Mississippi River and its tributaries that generate electricity to millions of people in the region. This electricity, along with the other resources provided by the river, such as irrigation, drinking water, and transportation, make it one of the most important and influential life-sustaining rivers in the United States.
Economic Significance and Human Impact on the Mississippi River
Besides its importance to local ecologies, the Mississippi River has been one of the major sources of economic growth in the region. It serves as a major transportation route for goods and people and its proximity to many major cities and ports has made it a vital link for many businesses and industries. Its importance to regional trade and commerce cannot be understated, and its strategic location between the Midwestern and Southeastern United States has allowed for the growth of manufacturing, shipping, industry, and finance in the region.
However, it must also be noted that human interaction with the Mississippi River has not always been positive. The river has been affected by pollution, over-fishing, and sedimentation due to over-use. So much so that today, the Mississippi is the second most polluted river in the United States, exceeded only by the Ohio River. Furthermore, the Mississippi’s water quality has been so degraded over time by these human activities that it has been declared as an impaired body of water by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of the Mississippi River and its tributaries to both human welfare and the environment. Numerous organizations and nonprofits have been set up to help promote the conservation of the river and its unique ecosystem, and many companies are now taking steps to reduce their own pollution of the river. Many locals have also come together in an effort to restore and protect the health of the Mississippi, and there has been a rise in awareness of the importance of preserving the ecology and resources of the river. There is still a long way to go in restoring the river’s health, but there are signs of progress and hope for the future.
Mississippi River as a Tourist Attraction
Despite the problems being faced by the river, there is still much to appreciate and enjoy. The Mississippi can still be seen as an important source of leisure and entertainment activities in many areas. Tourists can take advantage of a wide range of recreational activities that the Mississippi River can offer such as camping, boating, fishing, sightseeing, and wildlife watching. There are also numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year along the river, offering everyone a chance to enjoy the rivers culture and history.
There are also several national parks across the Mississippi River, including the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which stretches for over 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of the mighty Mississippi, marvel at its immense size, and explore its rich history and culture. Here, visitors can also have the chance to explore some of the river’s incredible biodiversity, including rare birds and other species.
The Great River Road also includes some of the most scenic and historically important towns and cities in the United States. Towns such as St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans are popular tourist attractions and each offers a unique slice of American culture and hospitality. For a truly memorable experience, visitors should consider taking a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi, a relaxing and leisurely way to explore the history and culture of this majestic river.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Mississippi River does not pass through Canton, MO but this does not mean that the city does not offer plenty to explore and experience. Although not located directly on the Mississippi River, Canton has plenty of activities, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures to explore and enjoy. Even from a distance, the Mississippi River still has plenty of economic, cultural, and environmental impact on Canton and the rest of region. Whether as a recreational area or an important transportation hub, the effects of the Mississippi River are far-reaching, and there is much to explore and learn about this mighty river.
