The Mississippi River is a significant body of water when considering America’s geography. Spanning from Montana to Louisiana, the river is arguably one of the primary contributing factors in the creation of the United States. One of the less known stretches of the river lies in Missouri, through the city of Cape Girardeau. Does the Mississippi River indeed run along this area? The answer is ‘yes’, but not in the traditional sense.
The mouth of the Mississippi River is located in the Gulf of Mexico, located in extreme southernmost Louisiana. However, the source of the river is Lake Itasca, located in northernmost Minnesota. From this point, the river moves southeast, dividing America in two, until it continues its route along the borders of Arkansas and Mississippi, before crossing all of Louisiana and into the Gulf, thus ending its long journey.
Before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River passes through Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Therefore, the answer to the original question of whether the Mississippi runs through the city is ‘yes’, but not in the traditional sense. Rather than directly running through the city its three large portions of the river—the Ohio, White, and Black River—meet near the city and later join the main Mississippi. All of these rivers together pour almost 200 million gallons of water daily into the Mississippi at Cape Girardeau, advancing it southward.
In order to understand why this convergence of rivers happens here, it is important to explain the geography of the region. The Mississippi River Delta occupies an area of several thousand square kilometers. Its formation is attributed to the river’s unique flow. As the river nears its destination, it begins to spread out and change its shape ‒ the thicker and heavier particles, such as sands and gravel, are dumped in the area close to the Mississippi’s mouth, creating the delta.
At this point, the river’s power begins to spread out, creating the phenomenon of the Indiana Lake System. This results in several branches of the rivers, creating the White and Black Rivers, which eventually merge at the existing site close to Cape Girardeau. The larger Ohio River, by comparison, runs in more of a North-South trajectory, before similarly converging with the Mississippi at Cape Girardeau.
The force of these rivers coming together is attributed to the geography of the region, and can have some interesting effects on the way the river behaves. For instance, the force of the White and Black Rivers can cause features in the Mississippi River, such as steeper banks, shifting channels, and even tugging downstream at the confluence site. These features are noted by locals, and experienced by those traveling along the river.
The site of the convergence of the three rivers is thought of a special place by the locals of Cape Girardeau. In fact, many have taken to the water, searching for ancient artifacts and items unique to the river to be found within each body. Consequently, other events, such as fishing tournaments and other happenings, also occur.
Memorials
Memorials built to commemorate the history of the river are also found in the city of Cape Girardeau. For example, a memorial to those who fought in the battle of Chickamauga, which happened between Union and Confederate forces at the convergence point of the three rivers, was erected in the late 19th century. Other significant historical events in this area have also been commemorated at the confluence site, such as the Trail of Tears, and Native American memorial sites, adding further historic significance.
This area also carries great importance when considering American industry and business. Over the years, a number of industries have sprung up along the river and the rivers-merging sites. Businesses related to agricultural, energy, shipping, and the like can be found up and down the river. Among these sites are some of the first steamboat ports in the country, which are still able to be experienced today and captivate the visitors of Cape Girardeau.
Environmental Impact
It is important to consider what environmental impacts this convergence of rivers may have in the area. The Mississippi River is known for its high levels of pollution, particularly industrial runoff, which can have devastating effects along the length of the river. This pollution can be strongly magnified when several branches of the river come together, and the pollution has been recorded in high levels within Cape Girardeau.
Due to the concentration of different pollutants at the convergence site, remedial activity is often in progress to reduce toxins. Municipal governments, including that of Cape Girardeau, have taken steps to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water. Other similar initiatives have also been undertaken by state agencies in order to reduce the amount of pollutants ending up in the water. In addition to these, some local organizations are also actively involved in efforts designed to raise awareness on the matter and inform the locals of possible dangers.
Benefits of the Rivers
But these rivers have also brought the people of Cape Girardeau many benefits. Besides the historic value they carry and the significance they have in the city’s industry, the rivers can also be used for leisure activities. Local fishing sites and ports are available along the river, leading to Cape Girardeau becoming somewhat of a tourist spot for visitors looking for a unique experience. The rivers provide revenue for the city through facilities related to sports and recreational spaces.
In the context of the city, the convergence of these three rivers carries unique significance. Not only are there some practical benefits associated with them, but the rivers also tell part of the story of Cape Girardeau and the history of the country. Topped with their significance to industries and the leisure aspect they enable, it is safe to say that the Missisipi River’s presence in Cape Girardeau is truly remarkable.
Fauna and Flora
The presence of the rivers in the area has had a profound effect in terms of the region’s fauna and flora. Fish and animals, including bald eagles and migrating waterfowl, rely on the convergence of the rivers to copulate, reproduce and hunt. Endangered mussels and snails are also found in the area, adding further diversity to the local environment.
Where geography is concerned, the presence of the rivers has an undeniable effect. Spreading sediment and changing course, the convergence of the Mississippi and its tributaries has a noteworthy effect on the terrain, creating sandbars, cutoff channels, and other interesting environments which are of great interest to locals and visitors as well.
The local flora is also significantly affected by the presence of the rivers. The rich delta soil and plentiful presence of moisture permits plant growth which would not be possible without them. Trees growing in the area are also found to be significantly older, adding yet another unexpected contribution of the waterways.
Popular Culture
The rivers have been featured in literature, music and art throughout history. As far as literature, many renowned authors have written works featuring the convergence of these three rivers, most notably Mark Twain. Additionally, other figures from the history of the country had also mentioned, in some capacity, the importance of the convergence of the Mississippi, White and Black Rivers.
In terms of music, particularly folk and country music, the rivers and their convergence have been often invoked in numerous lyric-driven songs. Country singers tend to mention the rivers, the nearby city and its sights, the wildlife and other elements, which are found in abundance in the area. In many cases, the writers of the songs have had some sort of personal connection to the region, a clear indication of its significance.
Finally, the region was also home to a variety of artists, who saw great inspiration in its captivating views, commanding torrents and its rich flora. Painting scenes of the region, using the local colors and illustrating the beauty of the environment, they added another level of appreciation for the persistence of the Mississippi and its mergers.
