Over the past few centuries, the Mississippi River, with its length of 2,320 miles, has been a vital part of American culture and commerce. As the fourth-longest river in the world and the longest in the United States, it has long been used as a primary waterway to transport goods and people through the United States, and has been a gateway to the West for settlers, explorers, and travelers.
The states through which the Mississippi River flows are considered to be the adjacent states that are adjacent to or touch the river or any of its tributaries. These states include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Some uniquely situated states, like Missouri, even contain a small portion of the river that flows in and out of other states, both upstream and downstream.
The Mississippi River has played an important role in the history of the United States, from being the primary route for travel and trade to providing a strategic boundary for military conflicts. Despite this, the modern-day Mississippi River is largely underutilized. While there are still businesses, industries, and recreational activities along the Mississippi, much of the river has become contaminated with industrial pollutants, leading to its decline as a shipping and transportation route.
The states left of the Mississippi River includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois border the Mississippi and are north of it, while Missouri and Kentucky lie west of the river.
In terms of population, states located to the north of the Mississippi River have significantly higher populations than those to the west. For instance, the three states located north of the river – Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa – have a combined population of over 15 million. In comparison, the two states located west of the river – Missouri and Kentucky – have a combined population of just over 11 million.
Additionally, states located north of the Mississippi River tend to have higher median household incomes than those located west of the river. For instance, the median household income for Minnesota was nearly $70,000 in 2019, while Missouri and Kentucky both have median household incomes of around $52,000. Minnesota also has a significantly lower poverty rate than its western counterparts.
The Mississippi River is also a primary waterway for the shipping of goods and materials, such as grain, coal, limestone, and petroleum products. Therefore, states situated north of the river often have access to more cost-effective transportation systems and a well-established infrastructure for the transport of goods.
Economic Factors
The economic development of the states left of the Mississippi River varies significantly. States located north of the river tend to have higher median incomes and GDPs than those to the west. This is due in large part to the fact that they are larger, more populated states with well-developed infrastructure systems. Additionally, many of the states to the north are major transportation hubs, making them attractive destinations for business and industry.
On the other hand, states located west of the Mississippi River often have slower economic growth than those to the north. For example, Kentucky and Missouri have slower median family incomes than Minnesota and Wisconsin, and their unemployment rates are also higher. It is important to note, however, that Kentucky’s economy is increasingly diversifying, as it is becoming a major center of technology and creative industries.
In terms of transportation and infrastructure, the states located to the north tend to have better access to river transportation systems. The lower Mississippi River is often used to transport goods along the gulf coast and up the Mississippi River, making transportation much more efficient for businesses located in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
Tourism
Tourism is also an important aspect of the states left of the Mississippi River. States situated north of the river typically have more diverse offerings in terms of tourist attractions and activities. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois often boast a variety of state parks, nature reserves and outdoor recreational areas, while Missouri and Kentucky tend to have more rural and rustic tourist attractions.
In terms of cultural attractions and activities, the states located north of the river offer a wide range of activities and places to explore. Minnesota is home to the iconic Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States, while Wisconsin is home to Milwaukee, the historic birthplace of Harley-Davidson. Similarly, Iowa is well-known for its Underground Railroad and its vibrant music scene, while Illinois is home to the legendary Blues capital of the world, Chicago.
Despite this, the states located to the west of the Mississippi River also cater to tourists. Missouri offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as a famous brewery trail, a unique music heritage, and incredible outdoor spaces. Kentucky is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, such as horseback riding and fishing, as well as its world-famous Bourbon distilleries.
Recreation
The states left of the Mississippi River have a wide variety of recreational activities and attractions. This includes activities for the whole family, such as boating, fishing, swimming and camping, as well as unique activities such as wine and beer tours and river cruises.
The northern states offer a variety of recreational opportunities, such as national and state parks, nature reserves and other outdoor recreational activities. In addition, many of these states are known for their vibrant music and art scenes, as well as their culinary offerings. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa are all known for their variety of craft breweries and distilleries, while Illinois and Missouri have numerous wineries.
The states west of the river also offer a variety of recreational activities, although the options are more limited due to the rural landscape. Missouri is known for its countless miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as its fishing opportunities, while Kentucky is known for its legendary Bourbon distilleries and its various outdoor entertainment offerings.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of American culture and commerce, and the states through which it flows have been shaped by its presence. With its length of 2,320 miles, the river has long been a gateway to the West for travelers, settlers and explorers and it has also been an important waterway for the transport of goods.
The states left of the Mississippi River include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. In terms of population and median household incomes, states located north of the river tend to have higher numbers than those located west of the river. Additionally, states situated to the north of the river have more opportunities for transportation and infrastructure, making them attractive destinations for business and industry.
Tourism is also an important aspect for the states left of the Mississippi River, with each offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. In addition, each state has its own unique recreational offerings, such as outdoor activities, festivals and culinary experiences.
