Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching for 2,300 miles from its source in the Minnesota River Valley to the Gulf of Mexico. It is considered one of the most important economic and cultural resources in the United States, and it is historically significant in the country’s westward expansion. The Mississippi River is a major artery for transport of people, goods, and resources across the country, and it is also home to many recreational activities like fishing, boating, camping, and sightseeing. As such, states along the Mississippi River have both political and economic investment in the area.
States Bordering Mississippi River
The Mississippi River flows through a total of 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These states are part of the Mississippi River Basin, which is bound by the Rocky Mountains to the west, the Appalachians to the east, and the Ozarks to the south.
Minnesota is the furthest north of the Mississippi River states, and its capital is Saint Paul. Minnesota is a major agricultural state which lays claim to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Wisconsin is located just east of Minnesota and is known for its vast lakes and forests. The capital of Wisconsin is Madison.
Moving southward, the next state bordering the Mississippi River is Iowa. Iowa is a historical farm state and its capital is Des Moines. South of Iowa is Missouri, the “Show-Me” state, whose capital is Jefferson City.
In the Midwest region of the country, Illinois is the next state bordering the Mississippi River. This state is home to the third largest city in the United States, Chicago, which is its capital. On the opposite side of the river is the state of Kentucky, whose capital is Frankfort.
Mississippi Delta
Across from Illinois is Tennessee and its capital city, Nashville. The state of Arkansas, with its capital of Little Rock, is one of the most heavily involved in the Mississippi River trade, since it is home to the Mississippi Delta region, an area filled with alluvial topography that is ideal for farming.
Next comes Mississippi, which is named after the river that it borders. Mississippi’s capital is Jackson. Some of its most famous cities include Tupelo, Biloxi, and Gulfport, which is home to some of the most famous beaches in the country. The 10th and final state bordering the Mississippi River is Louisiana, whose capital is Baton Rouge. Louisiana is famous for its diverse culture and vibrant music scenes, especially in the Cajun and Creole regions of the state.
Economic Activity
States along the Mississippi River have a strong vested interest in the economic activity that takes place in the area. The Mississippi is an essential part of the national transportation system, transporting goods and people between states that rely heavily on inland waterways. The cities and towns along the banks of the Mississippi are heavily intertwined with the shipping, fishing, and energy industries that thrive in the area.
The Mississippi River also serves as an important source of electricity, with most states along the river relying on hydroelectric dams to generate energy. The largest of these dams is the Keokuk Dam in Iowa, which has been producing hydroelectric power since 1910. In addition, the river provides important recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and camping.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is also a major source of concern when it comes to environmental impact. The region has been home to major oil spills, including the 2007 pipeline rupture that released hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the river in Iowa. The region is also home to major industrial pollutants, including fertilizer runoff from farmlands, which can cause harmful algal blooms and lead to fish kills and other dangerous impacts on the environment.
There are numerous organizations that are dedicated to protecting the health of the Mississippi River, including the Mississippi River Basin Alliance, which is an effort by local, state, and federal agencies to restore and protect the river and its tributaries. The organization works to identify and address existing issues throughout the region and to promote initiatives to reduce future impacts.
Native Species
The Mississippi River is also home to important species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.This includes several species of fish like the gulf sturgeon, paddlefish, and American eel, which are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. The Mississippi River is also home to many species of birds like ducks, geese, and songbirds, as well as several species of mammals like deer, beavers, and otters.
In addition to providing habitat for these species, the river is an important source of food for many aquatic animals. The importance of the Mississippi River to wildlife has led to the development of several wildlife refuges along its banks, including the Lower Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The Mississippi River is also an important route for navigation due to its extensive network of locks and dams. This system is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which works to maintain and protect the navigability of the river. The locks and dams also serve to help regulate the flow of the river and prevent flooding, while providing important hydropower.
The locks and dams of the Mississippi River are some of the oldest and busiest in the world, and ships from all over the world can be seen using them to move goods from one place to another. Navigation of the river is an important part of the overall economy of the region, and it is also an important way for people to explore the beauty and culture of the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important economic, cultural, and environmental resource in the United States. It serves as a major artery for transportation, delivers electricity, and provides habitat for wildlife. It borders ten states and is home to numerous industries, including shipping and energy production. The locks and dams of the Mississippi River are essential to the navigation of the river and the maintenance of its flow. By understanding the importance and significance of the Mississippi River, we can appreciate its role in the history and development of our nation.
