Mississippi River: Where its Banks Begin and End
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and the fourth longest river in the world. Spanning from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River stretches a whopping 2,340 miles long. It serves as a vital artery for the people and industries of the US Midwest, offering resourceful transport of people and goods alike.
The enormity of the Mississippi River cannot be overstated. The average depth of the river is over 200 feet. In the gorge near St. Louis, Illinois, the deepest parts reach 400 feet, while some areas reach 800 feet. This is almost enough to fit the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, four times with room to spare.
At its greatest width, the Mississippi River spans over ten miles and is sometimes referred to as ‘Old Man River’. Its vastness enables it to boast the highest volume of any river on Earth. Its waters are not stagnant, powers generators, shipping vessels and facilitates recreational activities, like fishing, swimming and boat trips.
The impact of the river has captivated scientists and travelers alike for generations. Conservationists point to its habit of changing course often, sometimes drowning old towns and creating new ones in the process. About 70 towns exist ‘underwater’ and are accessible only by boat or using sophisticated sonar equipment.
One of the most interesting and volatile aspects of the Mississippi River is its ability to increase exponentially and become more severe during floods. The sheer power of the rushing water can destroy homes, bridges, and even huge barges, leading to thousands of dollars in property damages.
The river’s waters contain high levels of nutrient-rich silt, which is essential for supporting the abundant plant and animal life within its boundaries. From the alligator gar, a long-lived species unique to the lower Mississippi River, to the shorebirds and migrating waterfowl during winter, the river is an amazing habitat for many animals.
Its waters are also essential for commerce, as tons of material and goods, from crude oil to fertilizer, pass through the Mississippi daily. The 1,000 small locks along the river’s length, as well as its 1,400 mile navigable course, makes it easier for barge traffic to efficiently sail, reducing fuel costs and delivery times.
The River’s Role in Human Historical Development
The Mississippi River has been crucial in the development of civilization in the midwestern states. It was first referred to by Native Americans as ‘Messipi’, meaning “great water”. As centuries passed and human influence along the river increased, its course shifted and played an important role in the development of American cities, such as Memphis, St. Louis and New Orleans.
For thousands of years, the Mississippi has been the gateway for trade between the Midwest and many other destinations, both domestically and internationally. It was so significant that some cities along the river developed strictly as a result of their connection to it. It is no surprise the Mississippi River came to have its own impact on the culture of the cities it traveled through.
The lifestyle and economic operations of Mississippi River’s cities have been deeply affected over time by the waterway. Industrially, the river has been irreplaceable in terms of trade and transportation, as well as for providing clean drinking water for the regions. It serves as an important connection between farms and factories, allowing for agricultural and commercial activity.
In terms of culture, the Mississippi has been key to the development of the region’s music, art and literature. Famous blues and jazz musicians performed in river-towns like Vicksburg, St. Louis and New Orleans, providing the foundation for many modern genres. Similarly, writers like Mark Twain and William Faulkner drew heavily on the river as a backdrop to their stories.
Environmental Challenges Posed by the Mississippi
While the Mississippi River has been a blessing to many communities, it can also cause unexpected consequences. The river basin has seen many floods throughout its historic course, prompting the construction of dams, levees and embankments, altering the river’s natural channels. These man-made waterways, many of which are over a century old, can cause significant ecological and environmental damage.
Over the years, villages, farms and towns have sprung up within the Mississippi’s boundaries, without being properly prepared for the flooding, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The river is also very vulnerable to pollution. Since its waters contain considerable amounts of runoff from agricultural land, it is naturally vulnerable to pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, as well as industrial and human waste.
Moreover, the waterway has become badly clogged with debris, silt, and sediment, especially in the lower regions, leading to a decrease in its water-carrying capacity and hindering the passage of boats and other vessels. Consequently, these materials can accumulate in the basin, making it toxic and causing further ecological damage.
The State of Conservation Efforts
The Mississippi River is home to many different species of fish, waterfowl, and other forms of life, and many are listed as endangered or threatened. For example, some species of freshwater mussels and paddlefish have declined in numbers due to pollutants and overfishing. Conservationists have become increasingly active in protecting the river, but there is still much to be done.
Fortunately, non-profit organizations like the Echo Mississippi River Initiative, the Mississippi Conservation Heritage Foundation, and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance have been actively lobbying for better conservation practices. They are working to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mississippi River.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with these organizations, has also launched numerous initiatives to improve the river’s water quality and reduce sedimentation in the river’s tributaries. In addition, the US Forest Service provides funding for the conservation of wildlife and recreational areas along the river. All of these efforts are aimed at helping to preserve the amazing ecosystem of the Mississippi River.
The River’s Place in Society Today
The Mississippi River has become a part of the American psyche, a landmark that has been immortalized in art, literature and music. Its stunning beauty, powerful currents and vastness captivates our imagination and has inspired countless people. Today, the river is an important transportation route and an integral part of Midwestern industry and culture.
Meanwhile, the ecological and environmental effects of human activities along the river cannot be ignored. As population numbers grow, the demand for the river’s resources increases, raising the stakes of conservation efforts. Raising awareness of the importance of preserving its waters and the wildlife that depend on it has never been more important.
Economic Nature of the River
The Mississippi River contributes billions of dollars in revenue annually. It provides huge benefits to the U.S. interstate shipping economy and provides lucrative job opportunities in the transportation industry. This has allowed regional economies to flourish, creating many jobs and providing economic security to the population.
It is no surprise, then, that the river has become a significant source of national pride. From massive freight barges to the smaller pleasure boats, the Mississippi allows all sorts of recreational activities. Residents from all across the country come to enjoy the river. The river’s beauty, its activities and its food inspire travelers who often return home as fans.
The travel and tourism industry associated with the Mississippi River has been known to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This generates millions of dollars in tourism, where people can go fishing, sailing, and enjoy the scenery. Fishing licenses alone can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue per year.
The business opportunities presented by the river are virtually limitless. From boat tours to cruise vessels, the river nurtures countless small businesses. The numeral successes that the Mississippi River has provided to the U.S. economy is immense and ever-growing.
Conclusion and Influence of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is truly a national and international treasure. It is a valuable source of water to populations in the Midwest, and a transportation highway for goods and materials coming from the Midwest and other parts of the world. It is still one of the most popular and important rivers in the US, and across the world.
The Mississippi River may have changed courses over the years but has remained a powerful cultural, economic and environmental force. Despite the countless challenges it faces, the river has remained strong and resilient as it ceaselessly continues to provide considerable benefits to the region.
