Geographic Subdivisions
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States and can be geographically divided into the Upper, Middle and Lower Mississippi. As one of the main natural boundaries of the US, it forms a link between the states to the east and west of the river. The buffer zone created by the river serves as a natural border, separating the states east and west, and running along and marking the boundaries of each. Depending on its position and outlook, the Mississippi River and its tributaries determine which states are considered part of the eastern United States.
State Count
It’s important to note that the divide between east and west is not absolute, in the sense that it does not purely correspond to the eastern United States, as defined by the US federal government. Instead, it typically encompasses all states that are east of the river, including the US states on its banks. Taking this into account, there are twelve US states east of the Mississippi river. In the north, these are Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Down south, there are the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa.
Regions and Territories
As a defining feature of the US from a geographic perspective, the Mississippi River also determines the main regions and territories of the eastern US. Depending on how strictly one wants to define the designation of East and West, the Mississippi River can also be seen as separating the ‘East Coast’ from the ‘Midwest’, ‘Southeast’, and ‘South’ regions. Each of the above-mentioned twelve states is part of the Eastern, Midwest, Southeast and South regions. In addition, part of the States of Missouri and Kentucky are considered part of the Midwest, while a small part of Kentucky is also part of the South. Some of the US islands also exist east of the Mississippi River, although they do not form part of the US states east of the river.
Environmental and Cultural Implications
The Mississippi River is a major cultural and environmental feature of the US. Shaped by its divide into US states east and west, the river has long served as a socio-economic and spiritual boundary. The importance of the river is further emphasised by the fact that a number of its tributaries, such as the Ohio River and Red River, cross different geographic regions and create an extended area of cultural influence. As a result, the river serves as a stepladder for inhabitants of those regions to bridge both cultural and geographic divides.
In addition, the Mississippi river provides many ecological benefits for the states east of it. It serves as an important source of freshwater and helps to regulate the air temperatures in the region through its spring and fall migrations. It’s also home to a wide range of animals and plants, which together form an entirely unique ecosystem.
Economic Impact
The river’s economic impact on the states east of it is significant. Its proximity to large ports cities and its abundance of fish and freshwater provide a steady source of income for many communities. Furthermore, the agricultural yield in those states is boosted by the fertile soil deposited by the river over thousands of years.
In addition, the Mississippi serves as an important transport service, providing an important connection between the US heartland and the East Coast. It is used by several major cargo vessels and various river cruise ships, as well as supporting a bustling recreational fishery. As a result, it has become an essential economic lifeline for the states to its east.
Water Quality Concerns
Despite its economic significance, the Mississippi River has faced a number of water quality issues over the past several decades. Water pollution from a number of sources has caused contamination and reduced the quality of its waters. In addition, the river’s delicate ecosystem is becoming increasingly threatened due to the introduction of certain invasive species and the disruption of the existing environmental balance.
These issues have led to a number of conservation and environmental protection measures aimed at restoring the river’s water to a healthy state. Positive progress has been made in recent years, with the US Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies working to improve the quality of the Mississippi River, making it a considerably better place to live, work and enjoy nature.
Impact on Endangered Species
The effects of the Mississippi River’s water quality on the wildlife has been profound. Endangered and threatened species, like the iconic American alligator and the bald eagle, are increasingly being threatened by the river’s changing conditions. As such, a number of conservation and preservation measures have been put in place in order to protect these animals and their habitats.
In addition, certain species such as the razorback mussel, an endangered species of freshwater clam, is highly impacted by the river’s water quality. Everyday activities, like boating and fishing, can release chemicals into the water which will reduce the population of this species. Conservation efforts therefore serve to reduce the impacts of human activities and ensure the survival of these animals.
Water Quality Improvements in Recent Years
Recent years have seen a number of attempts to improve the water quality of the Mississippi River. One of the most significant has been the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972, which established national standards for water quality and improved regulations for water pollution. The act has largely been successful in drastically reducing the levels of water pollution and improving overall water quality.
In addition, the Mississippi River has seen numerous conservation and regeneration projects, as a number of habitat restoration initiatives, such as the restoration of wetlands, have been implemented. These projects have helped to increase the health of the river and its surrounding area, providing a better quality of life for those living along its banks.
Conclusion
Overall, twelve US states are located east of the Mississippi River, making it one of the most distinct characteristics of the eastern US’ geography. The river serves as a natural divide and provides many important ecological, economic and cultural benefits to the states located to its east. Unfortunately, it has also been impacted by water pollution, leading to a number of conservation and protection measures to help improve its water quality. In recent years, these efforts have been partly successful and the river is now much healthier and more enjoyable for the inhabitants of the states east of the Mississippi.
