The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, running a course of 2,320 miles from the headwaters at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. With such an impressive length, it’s no surprise to learn that the Mississippi runs through a good portion of the United States. But how many states, exactly, can the Mississippi River be said to flow through?
The answer is 10. The 10 states through which this iconic waterway passes are: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Most of these states contain the Mississippi River in its entirety, although certain areas along the river’s winding course are given exemptions.
The Mississippi is such an integral part of life in the states along its route that it has come to be known by a variety of different names. Along with the Mississippi, this waterscape is also often called simply “The River”, “The Big Muddy” or “The Old Man”. It also traverses through a number of national forests and parks, including the Wilderness Wildlife National Park in Minnesota, the Ozark National Forest in Missouri, the Copiah WMA in Mississippi and the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana.
The Mississippi River is a habitat for a wide variety of species of fish, reptiles and other aquatic life. Park rangers and other environmental professionals “A near-absence of dams and a lack of development along its course contribute to the Mississippi’s health” survey the river’s waters regularly in order to monitor its populations of wildlife. A near-absence of dams and a lack of development along its course contribute to the Mississippi’s health. Between its sources in Lake Itasca and its delta in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River contains over 400 species of fish, nearly 200 species of aquatic plants and over 80 species of mussels.
The Mississippi has long been the source of comfort for anyone living along its route, and its presence has shaped the lives of everyone living in its wake. It has served as a point of connection and exchange, historically between Native American communities, then later between the French colonists of Louisiana and the British-dominated North American colonies. But today, the Mississippi River remains an important artery, linking the 10 states it passes through and providing water for the surrounding lands.
Recreational Opportunities
The Mississippi River is also a popular destination for recreational opportunities. From fishing and bird watching to enjoying the shoreline, there are plenty of activities for both tourists and locals alike. Countless campgrounds along the way to provide visitors with a chance to get a real look at the river up close. The Mississippi offers wildlife bunkers, nature trails, and the scenery is unparalleled. Summer months bring camping, fishing, and paddle sports such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
Cultural Significance
Throughout history, the Mississippi River has served as an impressive inspiration for culture, art, and literature. From the mysteries and dangers of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to the landscapes of iconic country music songs, the Mississippi has been a strong presence in the American educational and cultural fabric. Its significance has taken many forms, from Christian baptismal rites to voodoo magic. Its unique character has also been immortalized in the award-winning film Mississippi Burning, which paid tribute to the heroic efforts of civil rights activists in the American South, a region deeply intertwined with the history of the river.
Environmental Protection
The preservation of this vital resource is of the utmost importance from an environmental perspective. Many government initiatives have been implemented along the Mississippi and its tributaries in order to protect habitats, replenish fertility and reduce sources of pollution. Implementing these measures can enable healthier fish populations, reduced algal blooms, and a recovery of the walleye and other fish species. Various organizations like EPA, Riverkeepers and many others are working very hard to take active steps towards preserving the river’s unique character.
Economic Adaptation
The Mississippi River has been instrumental in creating and sustaining local economies throughout its 10 states. From expanded transportation networks to new and innovative agricultural practices, the river has been key in enabling economic progress in these areas. Every fishing camp and barge company, every towboat navigating the waters, contributing to the generally excellent local economies. Every gallon of river water can be accounted for, as it’s loaded to the brim with life, industry, and culture.
Native American Connection
The Mississippi River is also the main subject of much reverence in the Native American spiritual tradition. Known as the “grandmother river”, the river is used for healing and has been known to be the source of many Native American legends. The Kanza tribe revered the Mississippi for providing sustenance and nourishment in times of scarcity. In their traditional stories, the river was said to be inhabited by spirits, both good and evil, who guarded its waters.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and impressive bodies of water in the United States. An impressive force of nature, the Mississippi River runs through 10 states, providing a livelihood to individuals, communities and thousands of species of wildlife. Its deep and rich cultural history, its immense environmental significance, and its central role in local economies create an impressive and vital presence in the United States.
