Description of the Mississippi River
The Mighty Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, flowing 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to empty into the Gulf of Mexico. Along its way, the Mississippi passes through 10 states and is a major commercial waterway for transporting goods, including agricultural and coal products. As its navigability has enabled settlement, the river is often called the “Father of Waters” by Native American tribes that inhabit the region.
How Many Major Cities Does The Mississippi River Run Through?
The Mississippi River runs through numerous lumber and farming towns as well as several major cities in nine states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. While it’s not necessarily easy to define what full-fledged “major cities” are, the widely accepted definitions used in the US encompass cities with more than 400,000 people. According to this criteria, the Mississippi River runs through 10 major cities that meet the definition, located in seven different states.
The 10 Major Cities Along The Mississippi River
The cities are: Minneapolis/St. Paul in Minnesota, La Crosse in Wisconsin, Davenport in Iowa, Rock Island in Illinois, Quincy in Illinois, St. Louis in Missouri, Memphis in Tennessee, Hickman in Kentucky, Helena in Arkansas, and Vicksburg in Mississippi.
Of these ten cities, St. Louis, Memphis and Minneapolis/St. Paul are the most populated and are along the navigable section of the river. Memphis is located at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Minneapolis/St. Paul is the northernmost major city along the river, while Vicksburg is the southernmost city, located just 90 miles north of the river’s delta in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important economic resource for the nine states it passes through. It is estimated that the river supports over one million jobs and $400 billion in goods and services annually. Coal, fuel, timber and grains are just some of the commodities transported on barges along the river. The cities along the Mississippi are important ports of commerce, attracting industry and economic growth.
The river is also a vital environmental resource and provides habitats for various species of birds, mammals, and plants. The stewardship of the Mississippi’s ecosystem is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which was created in part to control floods, to ensure the safety of river navigation and to maintain healthy ecosystems. The Corps regularly maintains the river, clears debris, and makes improvements to locks and dams, levees, and other structures.
The Tourism of the Mississippi River
The scenic beauty, cultural heritage and recreational opportunities of the Mississippi River attract millions of visitors each year. Major tourist attractions along the river include casinos, resorts and outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and camping. The river is also a cultural touch point with numerous museums and historical sites open to the public.
Numerous communities have also invested in infrastructure to encourage tourism along the Mississippi, including marinas, restaurants, shops and other attractions. Some of the popular tourist destinations along the river include the historic cities of New Orleans and Natchez, the Great River Road, and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish refuge.
Recreation on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River offers plenty of recreational opportunities. From fishing and boating to bird watching, hiking or camping, outdoor enthusiasts have an abundance of activities to choose from. The banks of the river are also popular spots for picnicking, sun bathing and swimming.
Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available in many of the river towns, providing visitors with access to areas of the river that are otherwise difficult to reach. Many communities along the river have established hiking, bike and bridle trails, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Mississippi River in an unforgettable way.
Industry on the Mississippi River
The Upper Mississippi River is the most industrialized region of the river. Along a 550-mile stretch from Minneapolis to Thebes, Illinois, a quarter of all the grain shipped on the river and nearly one-third of all containers are transported. The 11 locks and dams on this section of the river, as well as the extensive port infrastructure in ports like St. Louis, have helped to make the Upper Mississippi a major hub of commerce.
In addition to commercial activity, many cities along the Upper Mississippi have made investments to attract new industries, such as the growing food production sector. This has attracted manufacturers, technology companies and other businesses to the region, providing numerous employment opportunities in the region.
Effects of Climate Change on the Mississippi River
Climate change is causing a variety of impacts on the Mississippi River. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the river is becoming more volatile. Floods are becoming more destructive, while droughts are limiting the supply of freshwater available to residents and businesses along the river.
The Army Corps of Engineers has proposed a number of different strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including revising existing levies and dams, improving drainage systems and expanding floodplains. However, these strategies are expensive and may be difficult to implement in a timely manner, given the limited resources available to the Corps.
History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has always been an important source of culture and commerce for the region. First inhabited by Native American tribes, the river was later explored and mapped by European explorers, who named it the Mississippi of the English translation. The river became part of the United States after French traders ceded it to the US Government as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
The economic importance of the Mississippi River has been recognized for centuries. By the early 19th century, the river was already a popular trade route for ships and barges carrying timber, coal, and agricultural products from the Midwest. With the advent of the steamboat, the river soon became a major transportation route for passengers and freight, a role that it still plays today.
Popular Culture of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River and its people have been featured in literature, film, and music for centuries. Mark Twain’s classic novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, has become an iconic representation of the Mississippi and its people. The river has also been the setting for several Hollywood films, including the Golden Globe-winning “O Brother Where Art Thou?” and the popular “Beaches”. Music is also inspired by the river and its culture, with popular songs such as “The Wabash Cannonball” and “Mississippi Girl”.
Today, the Mississippi River remains an integral part of the culture and economy of the nine states it passes through. Its history and landmarks, from the historic plantations of Natchez to the great Mississippi Delta, have been a source of inspiration for generations. With its scenic beauty, economic importance, and cultural legacy, the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States.
