The majestic Mississippi River – from its slow meander through the rural south to its turbulent waters following the city skyline – has no doubt captivated many a mind over the centuries of its life-long journey. While you might think of the Mississippi as running through larger cities such as St.Louis, Memphis, and Baton Rouge, it is perhaps less known that it runs through Nashville as well.
The river has had a long and established relationship with the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. It is 403 miles long and has a watershed of over 1.2 million square miles. The Mississippi drains 41% of the continental United States, from 16 states and two Canadian provinces.
The river meets the Cumberland River in Nashville and subsequently enters the city as the Cumberland River. The largest tributary of the Mississippi River is the Ohio River, which enters the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois. The Ohio River is drained by numerous rivers, including the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Cumberland Rivers, all of which flow into the Mississippi and pass through Nashville.
In the 18th century, the river was a major transportation hub, with ferries and steamboats transporting people and goods across the state. The river is still a major source of recreation and entertainment in the area, with people fishing, boating, and enjoying tucked away areas along its banks.
The Mississippi is a vital source of drinking water for millions of people, as well as an economic powerhouse for many towns and cities along its banks. It provides a direct source of sustenance for people and is home to numerous bird species and other wildlife. It also serves as a sort of cultural artery for the many communities it passes by, connecting them in ways no other river can.
The economic, social, and cultural benefits of this great river are numerous. In fact, the Mississippi River is directly responsible for nearly 80 percent of the GDP in Nashville, making it an integral part of the city’s success. It is also essential to tourism, as businesses thrive along the riverbanks and adventurers seek out the rivers natural wonder.
Its role in the community cannot be overstated. Without the Mississippi, the city of Nashville would not be the thriving and exciting place it is today. Additionally, the river serves as an important reminder of the past and a great area for exploration and leisurely activities.
The Mississippi & Natural Disasters
The Mississippi River is naturally prone to flooding, as is any large body of water that is constantly being fed by other rivers and streams. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the river typically floods in spring, just as the snow and ice from the winter is beginning to melt.
The river is monitored closely by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that the levees and other flood mitigation methods are functioning properly and to protect the area from major flooding.
Unfortunately, due to climate change, natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes have become increasingly frequent and severe in recent years. As a result, the river must be carefully monitored to mitigate the risk of flooding.
Furthermore, due to the ubiquity of the Mississippi, flooding can quickly spread to surrounding areas and cause significant damage. In the past, massive floods along the river have had catastrophic consequences, such as damage to homes, businesses, and private and public property.
The disruption caused by flooding can be quite severe and has been known to affect local businesses and economies. The waters of the Mississippi have often caused disruption in the city, yet are also responsible for some of its most iconic attractions.
Protection of the Mississippi
Given the importance of the river to Nashville, the area is home to a variety of efforts to ensure its longevity. These range from organizations dedicated to the protection of the river’s ecosystem, to programs designed to educate people about the importance of sustainable water consumption.
As the issues surrounding water usage become more pressing, the importance of the Mississippi River only increases. Its protection is essential for both Nashville and the surrounding region, not only for its aesthetic and recreational value, but also for its importance in sustaining the area’s economy.
Organizations such as the Tennessee Clean Water Network, the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation are at the forefront of the effort to protect the mighty Mississippi, as they advocate for critical policies that safeguard its ecology and habitats. In addition, they are also engaging the public on critical issues, such as the impact of climate change on the river means that we must all work together to protect this precious resource.
Pollution of the Mississippi
Unfortunately, however, the Mississippi River is not without its problems. While the state of Tennessee has made efforts to reduce pollutants from industrial and urban sources, the river is still plagued by a variety of pollutants, ranging from agricultural runoff to sewage treatment plant discharges.
The extent of the pollution of the Mississippi is shocking – it is estimated that almost two-thirds of the river’s species are either threatened or endangered due to the pollution and other human activities.
It is therefore essential that as much as possible is done to reduce the levels of pollution entering the river. This includes working with local businesses to reduce their impact on the river, as well as working with the agricultural communities to reduce their levels of runoff.
Furthermore, conservation organizations have been particularly active in their efforts to reduce the levels of pollution in the river. They are also working to educate the public on the importance of being mindful of the effects of their actions, and on the need for individuals to reduce their use of water, reduce their consumption of single-use plastics, and to properly dispose of any waste.
Tourism & The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, with people coming from all over the country to experience its majestic beauty. Tourists flock to the banks of the river, and many of the local businesses have found ways to capitalize on this. Boat tours and playing in the rapids have become exceptionally popular among visitors.
The city of Nashville is also home to many cultural attractions that take advantage of the river’s views, such as the Opryland Hotel, the Nashville Paddle Company, and the Nashville Nights Dinner Cruise. All of these attractions have capitalized on the many advantages the river provides.
The Mississippi River is also home to many local festivals, such as the Tennessee Valley Fair, the Great American Country Music Festival, and the upcoming Music City Marathon, all of which bring in large numbers of tourists and boost the local economy.
The river is also home to a thriving art and music scene, with numerous shows and events taking place along the riverbanks. In addition, numerous local businesses have set up shop along the banks of the Mississippi, taking advantage of the ample opportunities the river offers to those with creativity and ambition.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the city of Nashville, and it is essential that the community keeps it safe and healthy. The city and the state of Tennessee have been hard at work to reduce pollution and protect the river’s valuable ecosystem, and with the help of the public, these efforts can continue. The city of Nashville is undoubtedly a better place because of the mighty Mississippi River, and with the help of everyone, it can remain that way.
