Great Lakes Connected to Mississippi River
Many people don’t realize the incredible connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. The Great Lakes Region has been served by the Mississippi River since before the establishment of the United States. After being connected to the Mississippi River in the late 1800s, Lake Michigan has experienced a surge in commerce, recreational activities and tourism due to its connection with the largest waterway system in North America.
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River began in 1866 with the construction and completion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. This artificial canal, which runs from Chicago, Illinois to Peru, Illinois, is 101 miles long and ultimately connects Lake Michigan to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. This project was not only expensive but also a major accomplishment for 19th century engineers. Before the canal, transportation between the Great Lakes and the Midwest — including the Mississippi River — was by way of overland portage routes.
The completion of the Canal allowed for easier access to and from the Mississippi River, which contributed to the economic growth of the region. Subsequent improvements to the Illinois and Michigan Canal, such as major repairs to the infrastructure after it flooded in 1913, have allowed for the steady growth of communities located near the canal to this day.
In addition to increased East-to-West transportation, the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has also opened the way for better North-South traffic. Much of the cargo on Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, like grain and other agricultural products, is shipped downstream to the port of New Orleans. Additionally, barges on the Mississippi River carry goods and services northward, to populate markets near Lake Michigan.
The presence of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has also opened the door to increased outdoor recreational activities. The region is home to numerous fishing, swimming, and boating spots, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The evidence clearly points to the positive and far-reaching effects of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. This connection has worked to open the door to economic growth and new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors for decades.
Impact of Connection on Economics
The impact of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River on the local economies has been immense. This connection has allowed for goods to move more quickly and reliably between markets, allowing businesses to provide services to customers they otherwise would not or could not have reached before. This increased efficiency and lowered cost of travel and transport have allowed businesses in the region to gain a competitive edge in the market, creating more jobs and boosting local economies.
Additionally, the presence of the connection has allowed tourists to access the region more easily and reliably. This increased tourism has had a direct impact on many businesses and services, with the hotel and hospitality sector being one of the main benefactors. The improved access to the region has also allowed for real estate prices to surge, especially near popular recreational spots, as more people make the region their home.
All in all, the impact of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River on the local economies has been profound and invaluable. This connection has allowed for improved economic activity, better access to services, increased tourism and recreational opportunities, and increased real estate prices.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its economic impact, the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had a considerable environmental impact. This is mainly due to the fact that the connection has allowed for the artificial movement of species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
Researchers have found that the connection between the two regions has allowed for organisms native to the Mississippi River to penetrate beyond their native range and invade the Great Lakes. This phenomenon has led to the disruption of the original ecosystem of the Great Lakes, with some species outcompeting native species for food and resources.
Likewise, the connection has opened the door for organisms native to the Great Lakes to penetrate the Mississippi River and beyond. This can have devastating consequences for the surrounding environment, as species native to the Great Lakes may not be adapted to new environments. This can lead to a disruption of the ecosystem and the displacement of native species.
Though the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had numerous positive impacts, these environmental consequences need to be taken into account.
Social Impacts
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had a profound social impact on its surrounding communities. The improved access to services, goods and recreational activities has allowed for an increase in the quality of life for residents of the region.
The influx of tourism, facilitated by the connection, has had a major positive economic impact on the region, with jobs being created, businesses thriving and communities being built. This has allowed for people to relocate to the region and start new lives, giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams and live the life they want.
The connection has also opened up previously inaccessible regions in both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River regions to increased development. This increased development has allowed for more public access points to the various lakes, rivers and constructed pathways, providing a great resource for locals and tourists alike.
The social implications of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River have been major. This connection has improved access to many services and opportunities both economically, environmentally and socially, providing a great benefit to the region.
Changes to the Ecosystem
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had a dramatic impact on the surrounding ecosystems — both positive and negative.
The presence of the connection has allowed for increased transportation and greater access to opportunities, leading to increased development and population growth. This increased development, however, has led to an increase in pollutants entering the water system, leading to the degradation of water quality and damaging the local environment.
Likewise, species native to the Mississippi River are able to penetrate beyond their native range and compete with native species in the Great Lakes. This can lead to the displacement of native species and the disruption of the existing ecosystem.
Researchers have also found that the connection has led to an increase in sheer numbers for certain species, including the ever-popular sports fish. This abundance of certain species has had a dramatic effect on the food chain of some areas, resulting in major shifts in the environment.
All in all, the presence of the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had a remarkable effect on the environment and surrounding ecosystems. In order to maximize the positive effects and protect the environment, efforts must be made to monitor the area and keep invasive species out.
Changes to the Shoreline
In addition to its effects on the ecosystem, the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had a remarkable impact on the shoreline of both regions.
The influx of development has led to an increase in a variety of shoreline activities, including recreational swimming, commercial and recreational fishing and boating. The increased activity onshore has led to greater erosion of the shoreline, leading to the degradation and destruction of shoreline ecosystems in some areas.
The presence of the connection has also led to an increase in human activity in the various canals and waterways that connect Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. This increased human activity has led to increased levels of pollution and the introduction of invasive species, leading to further disruption of natural balances in the area.
Drastic measures have been taken in order to counteract the erosion of the shoreline in some areas, including the construction of seawalls. Though these physical barriers have had some success in reducing the impact of erosion in the short-term, their long-term effects are still uncertain.
The evidence is clear and points to the remarkable impact the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has had on the shoreline of both regions. Though the presence of this connection has opened the door to numerous opportunities, its effect on the shoreline must be taken into account in order to ensure the future of the environment is protected.
Availability of Resources
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has facilitated access to a wide variety of goods, services and recreational activities.
As the connection is so expansive, both regions have seen an increase in their access to goods and services. The increased and improved access to markets and services has resulted in a surge in economic activity in both regions, leading to increased business opportunities, job creation and population growth.
The increased availability of goods has also had an impact on the environment, leading to increased pollution and the introduction of non-native species. Despite this, the connection has been seen by many as an invaluable resource for goods and services, leading to greater economic stability and growth in the region.
Markets for recreational activities have also seen a surge, thanks to the availability of the connection. Tourists visiting the region have an increased availability of recreational activities, from fishing, swimming and boating to winter sports and resort activities. The increased availability of these activities has opened the door to increased tourism, leading to increased profits in the region.
The evidence shows that the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River has brought incredible benefits to the local region, providing resources and opportunities to millions of people. In order to maximize the positive effects of this connection, measures must be taken to limit its effects on the environment.
