If you have ever asked yourself does the Mississippi River run through Texas, you may have been surprised to discover that it does not. The Mississippi river starts in Minnesota, flowing south and then it turns east right into Illinois then veering into the Gulf of Mexico just past New Orleans. Following it around, the path of the Mississippi river is incredibly lengthy, spanning almost two thousand miles and coursing through 10 states. Unfortunately, Texas is not one of them.
The closest river to Texas that is connected to the Mississippi is the Red River, which runs up through Oklahoma. The Red River separates Texas and Oklahoma, running through both states. The Red River then connects to the Arkansas River, which is a tributary of the Mississippi. So although it doesn’t strictly speaking pass through Texas, it does have an indirect connection.
The fact that the Mississippi River isn’t connected to Texas is somewhat surprising, when you consider America’s other great rivers. The Colorado River, for example, flows through specifically the state of Texas, and provides over 500 miles of river bordering the south of the state. It continues south through Mexico, where it feeds into the Gulf of California. This river provides some of Texas’s most fertile land, and is the main source of irrigation for the region. So why isn’t the same the case for the Mississippi?
According to experts, the answer lies in the geological structure of the region. One of the main features of the region is the Ouachita Mountains, stretching from Arkansas to Louisiana, which poses a major geographical barrier for any river wanting to flow from north to south. As such, the Colorado River is the only major river to pass through Texas instead.
This doesn’t mean, however, that the state is untouched by the Mississippi. For many of the coastal ports in Texas, this river is inextricably linked to many of the thriving industries. Whether bring barge loads of raw materials or container ships full of exports, many of the ports dotting the coastline are key arteries in the flow of commerce. This is why so many Texans have a vested interest in the policies surrounding the Mississippi River.
It is interesting to find out how a region’s geographical make up can determine the hydrological characteristics of a region. In the case of Texas, it is clear that the landlocked Ouachita Mountains form a natural barrier separating the state from the Mississippi River and every other major river in the region. As such, the fact that the Mississippi River doesn’t run through Texas has to be accepted, as much as it might be disappointing.
Environmental Impact
The fact that the Mississippi river doesn’t run through Texas has implications for the state’s ecology. This is best illustrated through the Gulf of Mexico ‘Dead Zone’. This occurs when unnaturally high levels of fertilizer from the Midwest flow down the Mississippi, accumulating and sterilizing the marine life in the Gulf. This means that the Gulf states are essentially cut off from the detrimental effects of this pollution, meaning that marine life should thrive, and Texans can enjoy access to some of America’s best seafood.
Despite the geographical limitations of the region, Texans still have an interest in preserving the environment of the Mississippi. This has manifested itself through the Gulf of Mexico management efforts, which has seen Texans contribute to the ambitious initiative to stabilize the Gulf fisheries.
In short, that the Mississippi doesn’t run through Texas has ecological and economical benefits. Through the management efforts that have been put in place, it may one day be possible for the Gulf of Mexico to become a bustling hub for marine life, just as cities such as New Orleans has seen its fisheries flourish.
Misconceptions
It is also worth addressing some of the misconceptions associated with the idea that the Mississippi River doesn’t run through Texas. Besides the fact that this fact has been known for centuries, it is worth noting that the river isn’t the only source of water that Texas needs. Even states that are part of the Mississippi basin have diversified their water sources for years.
For instance, Illinois, the state right next to the river itself, only gets 1/5 of its water supply from the Mississippi. The rest of the state is made up of a variety of sources, including the Great Lakes system, community wells, and even reservoirs. And although the issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly prevalent, Texas has managed to implement a number of policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state’s water supply.
This isn’t to say that Texas shouldn’t take an interest in the welfare of the Mississippi. The fact that it doesn’t run through the state shouldn’t mean that individuals from the South don’t care. Just as Texans have become concerned with climate change and its effects on water availability, the same should be done for the Mississippi.
Economic Effects
The fact that the Mississippi does not flow through Texas does not mean that the state is unaffected by its effects. The economic impact of the Mississippi River goes far beyond the states that are located directly along it. For example, the Waterways Council, Inc. estimates that waterborne transportation in the United States adds up to $109 million per day. This means that states like Texas, who are not directly connected by the Mississippi, also benefit from the flourishing and well-kept waterways.
This is especially true considering the size and importance of the ports located on the Texas coastline. The Port of Houston, for example, is the largest port in the country in terms of tonnage. Much of this is due to the fact that the Mississippi River enables Midwestern states to export their goods and commodities at a lower cost from the East Coast. The presence of the river is also a great advantage to the Texas economy in that it makes shipments to the Midwest incredibly cost effective.
However, that being said, the fact that the Mississippi River is not connected to the states suggests that these advantages are largely not felt in Texas. The state is fortunate to have access to the Gulf, an even larger shipping hub, and as such the effects of the Mississippi can be felt through the Gulf.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a huge landmark in the US, both literally and figuratively, and it has played an important part in the growth and development of the nation. However, it can be somewhat surprising to find out that the river does not actually run through Texas. While geographically this is understandable, given the presence of the Ouachita Mountains, the fact that the Mississippi River is disconnected from Texas does have economic consequences for their coastal towns and cities.
This doesn’t mean that Texans should blatantly ignore the river. Just like with any other river, the Mississippi River still has implications for the environment and the ecology of the region. Therefore, Texans should continue to be active in the management efforts of the Mississippi as a way of preserving the environment and promoting the economy.
