The mighty Mississippi River runs across 3110 miles of the United States, spanning 10 states. Beginning in Minnesota at Lake Itasca, the longest river in North America journeys south past Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and through Wisconsin and Wisconsin. A trip downriver brings you to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and finally the end of its journey in the Gulf of Mexico. Each of these states offer unique landscapes, wildlife, and histories that the Mississippi has shaped along its path.
Taking its name from the historic Ojibwe word “Misi-ziibi”, meaning “great river”, the mighty Mississippi River has been an integral part of many cultures. The Sioux and Cherokee Nations used the Mississippi as their primary transportation and fishing source. Early European settlers relied heavily on the Mississippi for economic viability, as well as a source of its own culture. The Mississippi was a source of livelihood, forming its own unique communities, such as the ‘river’ people, floating tow-boats and flatboats, which eventually gave way to the ports and docks found along many of the river’s byways. Even today, the Mississippi plays an important role in the lives of those living in each of the 10 states it passes through.
The natural flow of the Mississippi is extensive, running through all ten states, connecting them in one sweeping line. The river’s main courses are the Upper Mississippi, which covers 1,476 miles from Lake Itasca to Cairo, Illinois, and the Lower Mississippi, which covers 1,236 miles from Cairo to the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to its majestic view, the Mississippi River is an important economic asset. It acts as an important pathway for shipping and commerce, allowing industries to move around safely. The river is also home to an abundance of freshwater fish, providing an important food source, and recreation opportunities for those living along the river’s path.
The Mississippi River is also a significant source of water power, thus leading to the development of significant hydroelectric power plants along the river. This has in turn led to more economic and energy development, pumping money into local economies. To support these industries, and the economic growth of the states and towns it touches, the river has seen vast investments in infrastructure including dams, levee systems and ports.
The beauty and importance of the Mississippi is immense. It carries with it history, tales of exploration, and (culminating in the society that lives on its banks) an ever-changing culture. Its impact on the ten states it passes through cannot be understated. It provides them with essential resources, adds to their vibrant economies and binds them together into one mighty river nation.
Environmental Impact
Whilst the Mississippi River provides many benefits to those living along its banks, it can also have a detrimental impact on the environment. History is full of stories of flooding, droughts and water contamination – which have all had a significant impact on those living nearby.
In recent years, climate change has seen the environment become more unpredictable, with rising temperatures leading to increased droughts, floods, and water contamination. For example, in 2019, the Mississippi River experienced its highest water levels in more than 70 years, causing devastating floods in many towns, thereby damaging homes and land. In 2020, the river has seen concerning low levels due to a combination of increasing temperatures and resulting droughts.
These environmental shifts mean that those living and enjoying the Mississippi River need to be increasingly vigilant in understanding how the river is affected by the changing climate. New technologies are playing a part in understanding the river’s dynamics and helping to predict risks and protect those living around it.
Tourism
In addition to its importance for local trade and commerce, the Mississippi River is also a popular tourist destination. The river’s abundance of wild species, along with its rich cultural heritage, make it a draw for visitors from all over the world.
The luxurious paddleboats found on some of the river’s cruise routes are a favorite of visitors. These trips offer picture-postcard views of the surrounding states and a variety of wildlife up close. For those more interested in the river’s history and culture, there are guided tours by masters of the river, offering unique insight into the river’s folklore, religions, and even prehistoric native peoples.
One of the most popular ways to appreciate the Mississippi River is hiking. Hundreds of miles of natural trails weave through the forest, hills and swamplands, revealing breathtaking landscapes, panoramic views and a chance to encounter wildlife.
The Mississippi River towns scattered along its length also have a lot to offer. From the South’s blues music to the quaint old-world river towns of the Midwest, there’s plenty to do and see along the Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy iconic stops such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, catch a game at the Mississippi River Museum in Memphis, or take in the history of New Orleans.
Conservation Efforts
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, many U.S. states are alert and attentive to the preservation of the Mississippi River. These efforts focus on enhancing the quality of aquatic life, maintaining fish resources, and reducing water pollution in the states the Mississippi River passes through. Furthermore, the Mississippi River System’s Assistance Program (MRSP) provides financial support to ensure the sustainable management of the 10 states along the river.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies are also implementing conservation projects such as the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which is working to restore 8 million acres of critical watersheds in the basin. The goal of this initiative is to reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality across the entire basin. Other efforts are also underway, such as the Mississippi River Trust, which works to conserve healthy wetlands and habitat, as well as advance public access and recreation opportunities along the river.
The Mississippi River and the 10 states it passes through are interconnected, with the river and the states relying on each other for sustenance. With proper conservation efforts implemented and monitored, the Mississippi River can remain an environmental and economic asset for generations to come.
Economic Impact
The mighty Mississippi brings a huge range of economic benefits to the states from which it traverses. Its journey takes it past an abundance of ports, locks, dams and industrial sites, all of which are a boon to the Mississippi River economies.
The river has provided an important source of transportation for many years, allowing for the trade of goods, resources and culture. The river has been fundamental in the development of industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, all of which have created job opportunities and, as a consequence, economic growth. The river’s magnificent landscapes have also served as a source of tourism, another significant source of income for states with a significant footprint on its banks.
The Mississippi River also plays an important role in the energy sector. The energy generated from the massive hydroelectric dams across the river has been fundamental to the economic development of its banks. Simultaneously, the river provides drinking water to over 50 million people across the US. This is a vital resource, particularly in drought-prone areas, and a beacon of hope for both the present and future of the river’s states.
The Mighty Mississippi is so much more than a natural wonder. The majestic river is fundamental to the economics and infrastructure of the 10 states it passes through – providing the backdrop for transportation, trade, energy generation, and much more. The river has played a role in the history and development of societies for thousands of years, and whilst environmental risks and challenges exist, the Mississippi is poised to continue to do so for thousands of years to come.
Environmental Challenges
Whilst the Mississippi River remains an important source of life, livelihood and recreational activity, there are many challenges facing its ecosystem. These include droughts, floods, pollutants, and invasive species, all of which can have a significant impact on the river’s inhabitants.
The river has been subject to multiple droughts, particularly in 2019 and 2020, where the river experienced its lowest levels in over 70 years, reducing the flow of the river and impacting species that inhabit the riverbanks. Low water levels have also shown to be detrimental to the river’s fish populations, as the reduced flow of water causes a disruption to the river’s natural cycles.
The environmental challenges facing the Mississippi River have been exacerbated by human activities, both intentional and unintentional. Pollution from industrial sites has caused the river to become increasingly polluted, with lead and other dangerous metals and chemicals being found in the waters. In addition to this, the river’s delicate ecosystem is under threat from invasive species, such as the Asian carp, that are continuing to spread through the river.
These environmental challenges require urgent attention and mitigation. In order to protect the river’s inhabitants, states and organisations need to take action in order to reduce pollution, reduce the spread of invasive species, and manage the river’s natural flow.
The Mississippi of Tomorrow
The future of the Mississippi is uncertain, and depends in part on the actions people take (or don’t take) today. The river’s states need to work together, using their collective abilities, to reduce pollution and tackle environmental challenges, such as droughts, floods and invasive species, thereby protecting the delicate balance of the river for generations to come.
Whilst the issues facing the river are undeniable, there is much optimism for the future. With economic, educational and technological investments, we can look forward to a future of plenty, where the beauty of the Mississippi is preserved and its citizens live in safety and job security.
We need to work together with the common shared goal of preserving the unique beauty and biological diversity of the Mississippi River, so that generations to come will continue to reap its benefits and enjoy its majestic length.
