Overview
The Mississippi River is often considered one of the longest and most important rivers in the world. It is known for its vital role in the development of the United States and its iconic barges and steamboats. This article seeks to provide an overview of how long the Mississippi River is, its course and its main tributaries. Further sections will examine its significance to the United States, its effects on the environment, and its historical importance.
Length
Merriam-Webster defines the length of a river as the “distance from its source to its mouth.” The source of the Mississippi River lies in Lake Itasca in Minnesota. From there, it snakes through the heart of the United States and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi River is 2,202 miles (3,540 km) long. As such, it is the fourth-longest river in the world, both in terms of length and in the volume of water it carries.
Course
The Mississippi River has a complex hydrology and a large watershed. As it winds through 10 US states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana – it collects water from many smaller tributaries such as the Missouri and Ohio Rivers. Starting in the northern Great Lakes region, the Mississippi River passes large cities such as Minneapolis and St. Louis before finally spilling into the Gulf of Mexico near the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Significance to the US
The Mississippi River is highly significant to the United States, with many cities, ports, and agricultural centers located along its course. It is also key to US transportation and infrastructure, as shipments of food and raw materials are transported along its valleys. Its water also provides irrigation for thousands of farms, and its tributaries act as key waterways for travel, tourism, and recreation.
Effects on Environment
The course of the Mississippi River has long been affected by human activities, from damming and dredging to industrial pollution. The river’s waters can still be polluted from agricultural runoff, and its shorelines can be damaged by floods. That being said, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made great strides in the past few decades, working to reduce the river’s pollution levels and create better protection of its ecosystems by introducing new management models.
Historical Significance
The Mississippi River is integral to US history, especially that of the American South. It has served as an important route of trade since the time of the colonists, connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Great Lakes and inland US settlements. During the Civil War, it was the site of several battles, most famously the Battle of Vicksburg. Finally, the river has been the site of one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history: the great Mississippi Flood of 1927.
Economy
The Mississippi River is not only important to the environment but also to the economy. The historic river-based economy tells stories of ancient civilizations, as is evidenced by evidence of trading, hunting, and fishing by native tribes. Its river basins still contain some of the most fertile agricultural regions in the United States, providing sustenance to many thousands of farmers. In addition, the development of the Mississippi for commercial purposes—such as river transportation—created the backbone of regional trade.
Navigation along the Mississippi River has helped to revolutionize not just the economy of the US, but of the entire world. The waterway has enabled a wide variety of goods to move at a much quicker rate and facilitated easier access to new areas and resources. As such, its waters have been used since ancient times and many nations have taken advantage of the river to build their trade routes. Navigational improvements, such as the installation of buoys, locks, and dams, have enabled the Mississippi River to become one of the most important transportation systems in the nation.
Tourism
The Mississippi River is a major tourist attraction in the United States. People from all over come to marvel at the river’s beauty, as well as its historical significance. Tourists travel on its waters in boats, barges and on some occasions, paddleboats. Popular tourist destinations include the French Quarter of New Orleans, the Great River Road in St. Louis, the Hampton Inn of Memphis, and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Tourists often travel on the iconic Delta Queen and American Queen steamboats, which offer small-boat charters, dinner cruises, and other leisure activities.
Recreation
Given its many twists and turns and great length, comfortably exploring the Mississippi River requires knowledge and special equipment. Despite that, the river is a popular place for recreational activities, such as fishing and swimming. There are many public and private access points for fishing throughout the Mississippi, although regulations may vary by state. Swimming, while less common, is still very much popular among locals and tourists alike, particularly in the summer. Wildlife along the river can also be viewed, with many species of birds, fish, and other wildlife facing its waters.
Environmental Conservation
The Mississippi River is a precious natural resource in need of protection. Over the last few decades, numerous conservation organizations have worked to protect the river, its natural habitats, and the many species of wildlife living in it. These organizations focus on cleaning up the polluted waters and restoring the river’s lost wetlands and natural habitats. Some of these organizations include the Mississippi River Network, the Mississippi River Basin Alliance, and the Living River Project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is one of the most significant rivers in the world. Its course, length and tributaries provide invaluable resources for many of the cities, agricultural centers, and industries of the United States. Its historical and environmental importance should also not be overlooked, as it has played an essential role in the development of the American South.
