Forming a vast natural waterway and one of the longest river systems in the world, the Mississippi River is a lifeline for many United States communities. Its length varies greatly depending on sources, some of which include the Gulf of Mexico, its largest tributary the Missouri River and its confluences. The most widely accepted overall length of the Mississippi River is around 2,202 miles (3,534 kilometers).
Running from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River has always been an important part of America. Forming a vital trade-route, it enabled the USA to broaden its borders and power during the 19th century. Even though the river’s length has fluctuated somewhat over the years, with some parts becoming more shallow or shallower, the overall length today is around 2,202 miles (3,534 kilometers). This distance, made up of thousands of streams, creeks, and other rivers, can be measured at its main source, Lake Itasca, to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico.
How the length of Mississippi River is determined depends on what method of measurement is used. In terms of hydrological length, the length of the river from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico is between 1,430 and 1,475 miles (2,303 and 2,373 kilometers). However, the official federal measurement of the length of the Mississippi River from its source at Lake Itasca to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 2,202 miles (3,534 kilometers). This is based on the River Mile System, which takes into account the Mississippi’s tributaries and confluences.
The largest tributary to the Mississippi River is the Missouri River, which is around 2,341 miles (3,767 kilometers) long and contributes the most water to the main river at St. Louis. Other notable tributaries, such as the Ohio, White and Arkansas, rivers, add an additional 975 miles (1,573 kilometers) in length to the Mississippi River. These tributaries are part of the larger Mississippi River Basin, an area of some 2,981,076 sq miles (7,729,216 sq kilometers).
Although their lengths differ, the Mississippi River and its tributaries are considered to form a singular waterway when discussing the full length of the Mississippi River from its source to its mouth. The overall length of the Mississippi River from the source at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 2,202 miles (3,534 kilometers), according to the official federal measurement.
Geographical Features of the Mississippi River
Passing through several states and taking its waters from the east and west, the entire Mississippi River system, including its tributaries, has about 1,500 dams. Along its course, the river forms a number of gigantic pools of water such as Lake Pepin and the Upper and Lower Red Lakes, which are great locations for leisure fishing. The Mississippi River is also responsible for forming several vast banks, tapering bluffs, oxbow lakes, meanders, swamps, and a wide array of estuaries.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
In its vicinity, the Mississippi River has caused the emergence of several estuarine and flood plain systems that provide excellent protection and resources for animals, plants and humans alike. Also, in some areas, the river offers a huge nutrient-laden resource that helps support local agriculture, fisheries, and industry. Unfortunately, with an increasing amount of discharge of pollutants and silt, the overall water quality of the Mississippi River is highly deteriorated, especially in the delta region.
Significance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has always been an integral part of the American history, culture and economy. According to some estimates, it is responsible for transporting around 400 million tons of cargo annually. As such, it is used for transportation from its source at Lake Itasca to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. Apart from its importance in commerce, the Mississippi River has provided clean energy to the region for many decades.
Human Interference with the River
Although the river has historically been a symbol of freedom for those living around it, human interference has caused a great deal of disruption. Most notably, the creation of dams over the past decades has slowed the flow of the Mississippi and modified its natural habitat. This disruption has led to considerable environmental problems, both on the river’s course and in the region around it. The main concern is the slow disappearance of freshwater habitats that were once renowned.
The Floods on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is also subject to periodic flooding. During the months of March and April, the river experiences heavy flooding, due to the melting snows to the north. These floods often extend from the northern states, such as Wisconsin and Minnesota, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Though floods cause serious destruction in some parts of the river valley, they are essential for the replenishment of its fish and wildlife resources. In addition, they replenish the soil of the region in a natural manner.
Recreational Activities on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is also a popular destination for recreational activities. It is possible to sail the entire length of the river or its tributaries if desired, using houseboats, kayaks, and canoes. With its vast pool of water, the river also attracts numerous water sports enthusiasts, including anglers, wildlife photographers, and nature-lovers. Some of the most popular locations along the river’s course for these activities include the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and Pool 9.
