Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the largest and longest rivers in the United States. Stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, it has had an important role in the history, economy, and culture of the U.S. But what many people don’t know is that the Mississippi River is actually composed of many other smaller rivers that flow into it. In this article, we’ll explore how many states have rivers and tributaries that drain into the Mississippi.
Background
The Mississippi River, at 2,320 miles in length, is second only to the Missouri River in terms of size. It begins in Minnesota, near the North and South Dakota borders, and flows southeast through 10 states before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. As it travels through the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and more, it collects water from many of those states’ rivers and tributaries, some of which are hundreds of miles long.
River Confluence
The Missouri River is the longest river that drains into the Mississippi, at 2,341 miles. It begins in western Montana and flows south along the Missouri/Kansas border before joining the Mississippi at St. Louis, Missouri. The Arkansas River, at 1,469 miles, is the second-longest tributary of the Mississippi. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows south into Arkansas, eventually turning east and joining the Mississippi near Arkansas Post. The Ohio River is another major tributary of the Mississippi. It flows 1,579 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cairo, Illinois, where it joins the Mississippi.
Other States
Several other states also have rivers that flow into the Mississippi. In Wisconsin, the St. Croix River starts in the northwest corner of the state and joins the Mississippi near Hastings, Minnesota. The Red River, which starts in Texas, forms the Texas/Arkansas/Oklahoma borders before it runs into the Mississippi just north of the Louisiana border. The Wisconsin, Blue Earth, and Des Moines rivers in Iowa, and the Kaskaskia and Sangamon rivers in Illinois all flow into the Mississippi.
Grand Waterways
The Mississippi is also connected to other waterways, including the Great Lakes and other large rivers. It joins the Missouri River in St. Louis, and the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois. From Cairo, it flows south, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Its connection to the Great Lakes is formed by the Illinois River, which begins near Chicago and travels south to join the Mississippi near present-day Grafton, Illinois.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River and its tributaries have had a major impact on the U.S. economy. It is estimated that more than half of the nation’s grain is shipped via the Mississippi each year, and it serves as a major shipping route for many other goods as well. Its waters are also used to supply cities and towns with drinking water and to generate electricity.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River and its tributaries have had a major impact on the environment as well. The river is home to a variety of fish and other wildlife, and it provides important habitat for many species. In addition, runoff from the upper rivers can contain pollutants and fertilizers, which can lead to deadly algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico.
Flood Control
Due to its size and potential power, floods from the Mississippi River and its tributaries can be devastating. To help reduce the destruction caused by flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has built dams and levees along the river. These measures help to control the flow of water and protect nearby communities from the impacts of flooding.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River and its tributaries are an important part of the geography, economy, and culture of the U.S. By understanding how many states drain into the Mississippi, we can better appreciate the impact that this river has on our lives and our environment.
