The mighty Mississippi River, the lifeblood of the Midwestern United States, is a monster of a river. Spanning over 2,320 miles and draining over 1.2 million square miles, the Mississippi River has been a vital artery for many people for centuries. From financing vast agricultural areas to providing transportation for people, the mighty Mississippi River continues to make an impact even in modern times.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River are located at the vast Lake Itasca in Minnesota and from there it follows a winding course until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. As it flows through multiple states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Mississippi, the Mississippi River expands and contracts, dipping and rising in elevation along the way.
The total length of the river has been debated for centuries. In the 19th century, Lieutenant Colonel James Riall, who commanded the American Army on the Atlantic Coast claimed the Mississippi River to be over 3,000 miles long. On the other hand, geographer and journalist Traveller Jameson claimed it to be 2,206 miles long. In the Intracoastal Waterway, however, the Mississippi River is exactly 2,202 miles long.
Experts agree that the exact length of Mississippi River in miles is impossible to ascertain, as the river is always changing due to shifting sediment patterns and floodwaters. After a major flood, the river may have created an entirely new path, thus adding or subtracting miles from its original length.
Many experts agree that the Mississippi River is likely to be longer than 2,200 miles, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Outreach Program estimates the length to be 2,320 miles. This estimate is consistent with the Encyclopedia Britannica, which cites the length of the Mississippi River as 2,340 miles; and with the National Park Service, which cites the length of the Mississippi River as 2,320 miles.
The U.S. National Atlas also confirms that the river is about 2,320 miles long. This estimate is based in part on the fact that the total length of the Mississippi River including its various tributaries is approximately 3,734 mi, and the Mississippi River itself accounts for approximately 2,320 mi of that total length.
In conclusion, the exact length of the Mississippi River in miles is subjective and has been debated for centuries. While some sources claim the length to be over 3,000 miles, others put the length at around 2,320 miles. The most credible sources appear to be in agreement that the length of the Mississippi River is between 2,320 and 2,340 miles.
Floodplains of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River basin is one of the most flood-prone regions in the world. Every year, millions of acres of land are inundated by the river with sometimes catastrophic results. In order to protect property and lives, many communities have been built near the Mississippi River in an area known as a floodplain.
A floodplain is defined as an area adjacent to a watercourse that is exposed to periodic inundation. Floodplains are typically found where a river’s stream grade is low, creating a greater risk of flooding. The largest portion of the Mississippi River’s floodplain is between St. Louis, Missouri and Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The topography of the floodplain can vary between deposits of sediment and alluvial fans, to the flat channel bottoms found throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. In addition to posing an increased risk for flooding, floodplains are also incredibly biodiverse, home to a wide variety of species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic creatures.
The floodplains of the Mississippi River, while a vital life source for certain species, can also be hazardous to humans. The risk of flooding, combined with the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses present in the sediment, make floodplains a dangerous part of the Mississippi River basin. While some parts of the Mississippi River’s floodplain is open to the public, those areas should be observed with caution.
Economic Impact of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is not only a source of recreation and biodiversity but also a major economic driver in the region. The River has been utilized for transport, leading to the development of cities, ports, and regional economies. The Mississippi River also provides an abundant supply of drinking water and irrigation, enabling farmers and ranchers to produce large yields.
Intermodal transportation – the movement of goods by more than one type of transport – is essential for the US economy, and the Mississippi River serves as one of the country’s most important transportation arteries. According to a 2018 White House report, the Mississippi River transports 5 million tons of goods each year, accounting for more than one-third of all US domestic cargo movement.
In addition to being a source of transportation, the River is also a major source of hydroelectric power. Nearly 200 hydroelectric dams have been constructed along the Mississippi River, providing inexpensive energy and power to many states while also providing flood control and recreation opportunities.
The River also serves as an important economic engine in recreational activities. The Mississippi River is home to over 350 species of migratory birds, making it an important area for bird watching and photography. The River is also a popular fishing spot, with anglers flocking to the area in search of the region’s abundant catfish, largemouth bass and other gamefish.
The Mississippi River is a vital economic artery for the states that lie along its path. From transportation to recreation, the massive river offers countless opportunities for citizens and businesses alike.
Environmental Issue of the Mississippi
The mighty Mississippi River may have sustained life for thousands of years, but it is also facing tremendous environmental challenges in its wake. Among the main environmental issues plaguing the river are sediment pollution, water pollution and nutrient pollution.
Sediment pollution occurs when soil from surrounding land is washed into the river, resulting in a build-up of dirt and debris on the river bed. This sediment build-up can interfere with the river’s fragile ecosystems, leading to an increased risk of flooding and destruction of aquatic habitats.
Water pollution is another major issue for the Mississippi River. Sewage and other runoff from polluted areas can contaminate the river, resulting in algal blooms that choke out other aquatic species. Pesticides from nearby farms and chemicals from factories can also make their way into the river, depleting oxygen levels and wreaking havoc on river life.
Nutrient pollution is a serious threat to the health of the Mississippi River. Fertilizers and other pollutants from nearby farms can make their way into the river, resulting in excessive growth of algae. This can lead to lowered oxygen levels and can ultimately have a negative impact on the river’s delicate balance.
In order to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Mississippi River, environmental stewards must work to reduce pollution, protect watersheds, and enforce state and federal regulations. Without these efforts, the Mississippi River and its many tributaries will be in jeopardy.
Famous Sites of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is home to many famous sites, some of which have been recognized as important cultural landmarks. From the mighty Mississippi River to the unforgettable landmarks dotting its banks, the Mississippi River and its many tributaries are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Perhaps the most famous of the Mississippi River’s landmarks, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. The 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch is the tallest arch in the world, symbolizing the opening of the West. A popular tourist destination, the Gateway Arch offers visitors breathtaking views of the Mississippi and the surrounding area, as well as the chance to take a thrilling ride in the “tram-to-the-top”.
Head further south and you will come to Memphis, Tennessee, home to the legendary Beale Street, the birthplace of the blues. Beale Street is teeming with music venues, restaurants and bars, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
In Louisiana, visitors will find the city of New Orleans, a vibrant city with a rich music and culture heritage. The city is home to the renowned French Quarter, a historic district filled with cobblestone streets, tantalizing restaurants and unforgettable live music. The Mississippi River in New Orleans also offers visitors the chance to board a steamboat and cruise down the historic river.
From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the Mississippi River and its many tributaries offer visitors a truly extraordinary experience. With its vibrant culture and stunning landmarks, the mighty Mississippi River is a must-see destination.
Fauna of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River and its tributaries are home to a variety of aquatic life that has adapted to the changing conditions of the bodies of water over time. From phyla such as annelids, arthropods and amphibians to members of the order of fish and bony fish, the Mississippi River serves as an aquatic haven for over 300 different species.
The most common fish species found in the Mississippi River are bass, sunfish, catfish and carp. These species prefer the deeply-flowing areas of the river and tend to keep to themselves away from the shoreline. However, some species like largemouth bass and large-mouth buffalo do venture into the shallow waters, making them popular amongst anglers.
In addition to fish, the Mississippi River is also home to over 200 species of birds. Commonly-spotted waterfowl include muscovy ducks, snapping turtles and turtles, while some of the most frequently-seen raptors include ospreys and bald eagles. Various species of migratory songbirds, woodpeckers, and other birds of prey can also be found on the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River is also an important habitat for many species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. These species include beavers, river otters, gray and fox squirrels, muskrats, cottonmouths and mudpuppies. The Mississippi River also serves as an important habitat for the American alligator.
Throughout its history, the Mississippi River has been home to millions of species, both aquatic and terrestrial. From the mighty alligators to small songbirds, the Mississippi River is one of the most biodiversity-rich rivers in the United States.
