How Many States Does The Mississippi River Cross

Overview Of Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the third longest river in the United States, stretching 2,320 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is considered one of the most influential river systems in the world and is often referred to as the “Father of Waters.” The river plays a pivotal role in the culture, commerce, and environment of the United States, and has been a crucial artery for exploration and settlement for centuries.

Crossing Through States

So, how many states does the mighty Mississippi River cross? The answer is 10. From its headwaters in Minnesota, the Mississippi River travels southward, draining or partially draining in no particular order: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
In each of these states, the river plays a major role in the economy and ecology, providing fresh water and energy sources, transportation, recreation and wildlife habitat. For Tennessee and Kentucky, the Mississippi River marks the boundary between the two states. In Arkansas, the Arkansas River branches off the main Mississippi and runs southeast.

Wildlife And Plant Life Along Mississippi

The Mississippi River corridor is home to a vibrant and diverse population of wildlife and plants. An estimated 257 species of aquatic birds live, breed and feed near the banks of the river, including herons, egrets, bald eagles and peregrine falcons. In the upper waters, a large variety of game fish, including walleye, bass, bluegill and catfish, can be found.
The lake and river habitats of the Mississippi also provide homes for muskrats, river otters, beavers and mink. Numerous plant species line the banks, mostly woody plants. Along with native species, some alien varieties, such as Russian olive and buckthorn, can be found. Prairie grasses and wildflowers, such as zigzag goldenrod and white grass, are also present.

Recreational Opportunities Along The River

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Since the mid-nineteenth century, people have been drawn to the Mississippi River for recreational fishing. While the banks of the river offer tremendous views, there are plenty of areas in each of the ten states the river crosses where anglers can get out on the water and wet a line. Fishing from moving boats, swimming, camping and other recreational activities are allowed in some areas, but always check with local government societies for current rules and regulations.
Though the Mississippi River can be dangerous for swimming, canoeing and kayaking, experienced paddlers can travel down the channel, soaking in the scenery along the way. Canoes, tubes, kayaks and other vessels are allowed on the river, as long as each paddler is wearing a coast-approved personal flotation device.

Conservation Of Mississippi

The Mississippi River and its tributaries are a vital part of the ecology of the United States. In the early part of the twentieth century, however, the river was heavily over-fished and polluted. It has since become the focus of intense efforts for conservation and restoration.
In the 1990s, the US Congress passed a number of bills that declared the Mississippi River a “navigable waterway for commerce, recreation and flood control,” and established a program of federal and state agencies to begin restoring the waterway. The effort has seen a dramatic reduction in industrial pollution and the protection of more than 250 species of plants and animals.

Historical Significance Of Mississippi

The Mississippi River has shaped the history of the nation since the arrival of the first Europeans. From the development of the steamboat to the Civil War, the river has been an artery of transportation and commerce, providing access to unexplored lands on the continent.
Early in the 19th century, the steamboat made the journey upriver possible, opening up the interior of the country to large-scale settlement. The Civil War saw the Mississippi become a battlefield, pitting Confederate troops in the south against Union forces in the north.

Exploration And Expansion Along River

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the Mississippi River was the principal highway for travel and transportation, not only between the states that it crossed but also between Europe and America. During this era of exploration and expansion, the great river was the site of numerous trading posts, industrial sites, and plantation and slavery settlements.
Lewis and Clark, two of the most famous explorers in US history, followed the river in their journey across the continent, as did naturalist John James Audubon and writer Mark Twain. The river has also influenced global trade and commerce, with goods such as cotton and grain being shipped down the mighty Mississippi.

Pollution Along River

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As the river helped expand the nation’s economy, it also has had a dramatic effect on the environment. The last century saw the Mississippi become polluted by industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff and other pollutants. In the 1970s and 1980s, the river became a dumping ground for chemical pollutants such as PCBs, heavy metals and pesticides, which caused serious health and environmental concerns.
Though much progress has been made in cleaning up the river, it still carries high levels of nutrients that promote algae growth, which can lead to depleted oxygen levels in the water, making it difficult for fish and aquatic life to survive.

Agriculture Effects On Mississippi

The Mississippi River system is the lifeblood of the agricultural sectors of the states it crosses. It supplies necessary nutrients and irrigation to crops, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, which stretches from Louisiana to Mississippi. The river also helps to reduce flooding, protects water quality and replenishes subsoil moisture.
Agricultural runoff, however, has a significant impact on the river. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from fertilizers, animal wastes and pesticides can impair the water quality of the river, posing a threat to the population’s health and livelihood.

Effects Of Climate Change On Mississippi

Climate change significantly affects the health and wellness of the Mississippi River. Studies have indicated that rising temperatures in the region have caused significant changes in the river’s flow. Climate change has also been linked to increased flooding, storm surges and drought, all of which have the potential to wreak havoc on the river’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, warmer temperatures can lead to higher water temperatures, causing a decrease in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, putting both fish and aquatic life at risk. Warmer air temperatures can also contribute to the spread of disease and can increase evaporation in the river, reducing its overall flow rate.

Reconnecting The Mississippi

Reconnecting the Mississippi River is an ongoing process that seeks to restore the balance of the healthy and functioning ecosystem. A variety of measures have been adopted to preserve the water quality of the river, including the use of both traditional and modern engineering techniques to control the flow of water and reduce sedimentation. Also, native plant species are being planted and wetland habitats are being restored to create a healthier environment for the wildlife that depend on the Mississippi.

Public Awareness Of Mississippi

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In order to ensure the health and safety of the river, it’s important that the general public is made aware of the Magnolia State’s dependence on the Mississippi River. Government agencies, non-profits, and conservancy groups have undertaken numerous public information campaigns to educate the population about the importance of preserving the river.
Public education centers have been set up in many cities along the river, offering educational programs and tours. In addition, the river has been designated as a “National Blue Trail,” offering pathways and trails for both recreational and educational purposes.

Consequences Of Neglecting Mississippi

Neglecting the Mississippi River can have deadly consequences. Pollution, sedimentation and climate change can have severely detrimental effects on the wildlife, the environment and economy of the region. If the river is not cared for and managed responsibly, it can quickly become overrun with debris and contaminants, making it unfit even for recreational use.
Furthermore, neglecting the river can have a negative effect on the people of the region, as it can lead to health problems due to water contamination and a dramatic decrease in resources for fishing and farming. Therefore, it is important for everyone to take an active role in preserving the Mississippi River for generations to come.