The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, snaking its way from the northern parts of the United States nearly 2,400 miles to its terminus in the Gulf of Mexico. It stands as a powerful symbol of the American experience, of commerce, and of the natural beauty of the surrounding states. But exactly how wide is the Mississippi River at New Orleans, the city located furthest downstream, where the river passes through the most boundary states of any urban area in the U.S.? The answer is surprisingly complicated.
A precise answer to the question of how far across the Mississippi River is at New Orleans depends heavily on the precise definition of “across.” At its narrowest point near New Orleans, the river is just 400 meters wide. However, depending on whether the tributaries, wetlands, and bayous associated with the river are included, the total width of the system can reach up to 8 miles. For example, the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, which connects the river to Lake Pontchartrain, is 620 meters wide.
As the question of how far across the Mississippi River at New Orleans is technically complicated, it is also massively impactful. The river is a gateway to the south, and its width determines the amount of cargo that can traverse the waterway. The water level at New Orleans is some 6.4 meters above sea level, making it the highest navigable point in the hydrological system. The Mississippi River is an essential part of the energy, transportation, and commercial infrastructure of the United States—in 2018, it moved a staggering 479.2 million tons of cargo.
According to experts in the field, the width of the Mississippi River at New Orleans is expected to increase over the coming years, a trend that will continue to shape the infrastructure of the region. Though the river is wide and deep, sediment deposited on the riverbed can cause build up known as “fill.” As time passes, this fill will increase the width of the river, potentially creating bridges and roadways that stretch across the river from one side to the other.
Long-Term Ecological Effects of Mississippi River Width
How far across the Mississippi River is at New Orleans is not only a question of infrastructural significance, but also of ecological impact. Though the sediment deposited on the riverbed can create bridges, it can also have the opposite effect—filling in wetlands and other habitats. That said, the effects of sediment build up on the river’s width and the ecological balance of the area can be balanced, in part, by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The Mississippi River and its system of tributaries, wetlands, and bayous support an incredible range of wildlife and habitats, providing a home to more than 200 species of fish, 100 species of mussels, 67 species of amphibians, 60 species of reptiles, and 300 species of birds. As the width of the river affects the balance of the entire system, it is important to maintain the river at a width that is both navigable and hospitable to its native species.
Humans and the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. By the time Europeans arrived in the 1500s, the area around the river had been inhabited for thousands of years. As the use of the river for transportation expanded over time, so too did its economic importance. Today, the Mississippi River’s robust wildlife population, prime energy and transportation infrastructure, and wide navigability make it one of the most significant rivers in the United States—and one of its most well-loved.
No matter the width of the Mississippi River at New Orleans, the sprawling waterway is—and will continue to be—a major part of our country’s heritage. What began as an essential element of centuries-old cultures will continue to support generations to come. It is a powerful connection between people, places, and the past, forever tying them together with the movements of the river.
How far across the Mississippi River is at New Orleans affects its navigability, as the wider its width, the larger and heavier the boats that can traverse it. The amount of cargo that can be carried is also a factor in determinin navigability—a wider river means larger ships and more cargo. That is why the width of the river is often referred to as its “carrying capacity.”
In addition to its width, the navigability of the Mississippi River is also determined by its depth, currents, water level, ice, and other factors. The riverbed is divided into several sections, each with its own depth and navigability challenges. The depth at New Orleans is generally 9.7 meters, though there are sections of the river that are 8.6 meters deep or even more shallow. In some cases, the depth of the river can be affected by seasonal flooding or drought.
Archeological Significance of the Mississippi River Width
The width of the Mississippi River at New Orleans has significant archeological significance, as it is home to dozens of sites of historical significance. These include sites associated with Native Americans, 19th century plantations, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Archeologists have discovered evidence of ancient cultures who lived and worked along the waterway, suggesting that human activity around the river dates back over 10,000 years.
The Mississippi River has also been a key site for archeological research, as the sediment deposited over time has created a unique juxtaposition of ancient and modern artifacts. By studying the artifacts found in the sediment layers, archeologists have gained insight into the history of the area and the lifestyles of the people who have lived along the river for centuries.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River Width
The environmental impact of how far across the Mississippi River is at New Orleans is quite significant. Pollutants, agricultural runoff, and other contaminants can enter the river and travel far downstream, causing massive disruption in the ecosystem. The amount of sediment deposited on the riverbed can also affect the water’s clarity and oxygen levels, which in turn can affect fish and other aquatic life.
As the river’s width has changed over time, so too have the strategies employed to reduce the environmental impacts of human activity. The Army Corps of Engineers has implemented strategies such as floodplain management and sediment control, helping to mitigate the potential risks of sediment buildup on the riverbed and curb the environmental impact of the river’s trajectory.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River Width
The economic impact of the Mississippi River at New Orleans is also quite significant, as the availability of the river has made it an important hub for trade and commerce. The width of the river directly affects the amount of cargo that can be moved, and thus how much economic activity can take place in the region. In addition, the river serves as a major source of energy, providing hydroelectric power to millions of people.
The Mississippi River is also an important source of jobs, as the area is home to dozens of ports and other economic hubs. In Louisiana alone, river-related industries directly employ thousands of people and generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity annually. A robust river—regardless of its width—ensures the continued economic growth of the region.
