History of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has a history that spans thousands of years, from its origins as a small, seasonal stream to its current status as a major North American waterway. Over the centuries, it has served as an important spiritual and material resource for the many cultures that have resided along its banks. Primarily, it served as a crucial transportation route for Native American societies and early settlers alike. As with many North American rivers, the Mississippi has witnessed a long history of industrialization, navigation, and agricultural development. From the mid-19th century onwards, it became a major hub of commercial and industrial growth, with many cities and towns forming around the river’s various bends, levees, and tributaries.
Composition and Dimensions of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, at over 2,000 miles long, is one of the world’s longest waterways. It’s usually stated as being 2,320 miles long, but this figure can fluctuate depending on conditions and the accuracy of measurements taken. The Mississippi is part of the combined 4,000-mile-long Mississippi-Missouri-Ohio river system, making it even longer.
The Mississippi originates in Lake Itasca, Minnesota and ends at its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans, Louisiana. Its drainage basin covers about 1.25 million square miles in 31 states, from Minnesota in the North, to Louisiana in the South. The width of the Mississippi’s main channel, or deepest part, varies depending on the climate and flow conditions. It can be anywhere from 50 to 70 feet wide at its narrowest points. At its widest parts, the river can measure up to 110 feet wide.
The Flow of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River’s flow is greatly affected by many human influences, such as dams, levees, and other engineering works. Additionally, the river has experienced several natural disasters, including major floods and droughts, which can drastically change the water level in certain parts of the river.
The river’s flow is primarily controlled by the two main tributaries, the Missouri and Ohio rivers. These rivers also wax and wane based on the water conditions. During flooding events, the combined flow of the Mississippi-Missouri-Ohio river system can be as massive as 3.2 million cubic feet per second—much faster than the average flow of 600,000 cubic feet per second.
The Mississippi River is naturally a very navigable river and is also an important transportation route for water borne cargo. The first steamboat to navigate on the Mississippi was the Zebulon Pike in 1811. Commercial navigation on the river soon followed and has remained a vital part of the river’s activity throughout its history.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains many levees along the Mississippi, but flooding is still a major hazard and has caused untold damage over the centuries. Countless communities, landscapes, and infrastructure have been destroyed due to floods, including the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927, a natural disaster which resulted in over 700,000 people being displaced and billions of dollars of damage.
In terms of actual navigability, the Mississippi is typically suitable for a wide range of vessels. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard allows vessels up to 1,000 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 50 feet draft to safely navigate the river.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
Given its size and navigability, the Mississippi River naturally has a large environmental impact. Many fish species live in the Mississippi and its tributaries and many are highly sought after by anglers. The river is also home to thousands of other animal species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. However, many of the species which live in and around the Mississippi are threatened by water pollution. For many years, pollution has been a major problem for the river, including industrial and agricultural runoff and hazardous chemicals and waste.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long been active in trying to clean up the Mississippi. In 1993, for example, the EPA set about creating a series of Total Maximum Daily Load standards which detailed the maximum amount of pollution that can be released into the river on any given day. These standards are currently being enforced, with the EPA regularly testing the river water for pollutants.
Tourism Related to the Mississippi
Along with its vast commercial activity, the Mississippi River is also a popular spot for recreational activities and tourism. Rafting, camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking are all popular activities on the river. The Mississippi is also home to some of the most populous and vibrant cities in the US, such as Memphis, Nashville, and St Louis, each of which attract millions of tourists each year.
In terms of natural sights and landmarks, the Mississippi features several, including the magnificent Mississippi Delta, sprawling wetlands and the wildlife rich Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Corinth Canal, located in the north of the river, is a popular spot for tourist cruises and the Louisiana bayous are home to the Atchafalaya Swamp.
Protection of the Mississippi River
Given the Mississippi River’s importance to both the local and global economy, many measures have been taken to ensure its continued protection and navigability. In the years since its formation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have built hundreds of levees and other artificial structures to help control and channel the river’s flow. The National Park Service also monitors and maintains many parks and reserves along the river.
In addition to engineering and environmental measures, much of the Mississippi River’s history has been documented and preserved. Large repositories of documents and photographs from across its history exist, providing valuable information on the river’s past. This same documentation can help inform restoration efforts to preserve and protect the river’s ecology.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an immense and crucial waterway – not only as a major transportation and commercial route, but also as an important source of sustenance and livelihoods. Spanning over 2,000 miles and passing through 31 states, the Mississippi has a deep and complex history of human interaction, economic development and envrionmental impact. Therefore, it is essential that all parties – including governments, local communities, and private organizations – continue to work together to ensure that the Mississippi River maintains its importance for generations to come.
