Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States, with a long and varied history that can be traced back to the earliest civilizations. Spanning over two thousand six hundred miles in length, the river runs from its source in Minnesota, past the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and down to the Mississippi Delta, in Louisiana. Although the Mississippi River forms the southern border for 10 different states, the states along the Mississippi are much more diverse than just their geographical location. From sprawling metropolises along the river, such as New Orleans, to rural outposts in the far north, exploring the areas, which have a border along the Mississippi, is an amazing journey, with a strong sense of history, a unique culture and beautiful scenery.
Geography of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River runs through ten states, with the northernmost state being Minnesota, and the southernmost state being Louisiana. The other states along this great waterway include Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Illinois and Iowa. Most of these states have a direct border with the river, though the length and exact location of the boundary will vary from state to state. As the river runs its length, it passes several major cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Louis, New Orleans and Memphis. This river system is not only an important part of America’s history, but also has a significant bearing on the economy of the ten states, and many of the towns that are located along its banks.
Historical Impact on Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a great impact on the history of the United States, starting with the discovery of this great waterway by the early Native American tribes who called the river, ‘Mihsosepa’, which translates to ‘the great river’, in an Algonquian language. The river has been a major thoroughfare, since the 17th century, when French trappers and traders used it as an important trade route to the new world. In the 19th century, the river was an essential part of the cotton industry, and during the Civil War, the Union forces relied on the river to move troops and supplies to the Confederate states. The river has also held an important place in literature, with the likes of Mark Twain, who wrote about his adventures on the ‘Uncle Sam’s Great White Way’, and the great Mississippi and its environs.
Natural Resources of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River supports a variety of natural resources and ecosystems, making it one of the most diverse and valuable water systems in the United States. It is home to a myriad of fish and wildlife, ranging from large game fish such as bass and walleye, to smaller fish like catfish and carp. It also supports large numbers of waterfowl, as well as a variety of mammals, such as river otters, beavers, and muskrats. This wide variety of wildlife makes the Mississippi River a great destination for the avid outdoorsman.
The river also has a number of important economic uses, providing industry and transportation along its length. The river is a great source of irrigation for farmland, making it a vital resource for many farmers and other agricultural producers in the region. It is also used to generate hydropower in dams along its length, as well as to provide a transportation route for barge traffic, which can move goods and materials over long distances, with a cost and time efficiency not available with other modes of transport.
Energy from Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a great source of energy, with hydropower dams, both large and small, spread across the ten states that border the river. These dams provide electricity for homes and businesses in the region, though their environmental impacts have been a source of controversy, with concerns over habitat loss and water quality.
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This has been particularly true in the states along the Mississippi, as these sources are usually cheap and reliable, and do not harm the environment in the way that hydropower dams can.
In addition to these renewable sources, there is also an increasing focus on the use of biogas, which can be produced from waste materials such as agricultural byproducts and animal waste. This form of energy has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the states that border the Mississippi River, with negligible environmental impact.
Conservation Efforts in Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital artery for commerce, recreation, and nature in the US states that border it. It is a living waterway, constantly reshaped by the forces of nature, and a place of resilient communities that depend upon its bounty. Despite this, its health has been steadily declining, particularly in the wake of agricultural pollution and other human-caused impacts.
In response to this, the US government, state governments and local organizations have taken measures to increase conservation of the river and its tributaries. These have included steps to reduce agricultural runoff, create programs to restore and protect wetlands and endangered species, and enact laws to protect the watershed from over-development. Such initiatives have helped to ensure the river’s health and sustainability for the future, as well as providing recreational and commercial opportunities for the people who live along its banks.
Fishing in Mississippi River
The Mississippi River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with a variety of species of freshwater fish to be found. This includes largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, and carp, among others, with the river providing the perfect habitat for all of them. Fishing enthusiasts will find many spots where the river is easy to access and provides fruitful angling prospects.
With its diverse ecology, the Mississippi River is a great destination for nature lovers and fishermen alike. Not only does it provide a great opportunity to catch a variety of fish, but it is also an excellent resource for wildlife observation, with many species of birds, mammals and reptiles making their home along its banks.
Recreation along Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a great source of recreation for the people who live along its banks. Boating, swimming and even water skiing are common activities along its length, while the plethora of historical sites, Civil War battle sites, and unique cultures make it a great place to explore.
The states along the Mississippi also provide some of the best camping facilities in the United States. From state parks to privately owned accommodations, campers will find plenty of spots to lay their heads, as well as marinas for boaters. Recreational spaces also abound along the river, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important resource for America’s citizens, providing an innumerable number of benefits, from resource extraction and energy generation, to recreation and transportation opportunities. With ten states bordering its length, the Mississippi River is not only an essential part of America’s history and economy, but also a natural wonder, full of beauty and life, that should be cherished and protected.
