Introduction: The length of the Mississippi River stands at an impressive 2,320 miles, stretching from its beginnings in Minnesota to its Southern mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. As one of the longest rivers in the world, it touches upon 10 states, four national parks and two Canadian provinces along the way. It’s a piece of geography that has an unique and powerful history linked to the global expansion of North American culture and the development of the nations around it.
Origin of the Mississippi River: The Mississippi River has been part of the America’s history since the dawn of the European colonization of the continent. The first Europeans to enter the river and search for its source were French explorers in the late 17th century. During the next hundreds of years, the river was used extensively by the French and later the Americans, to power the expansion of what would eventually become United States of America.
Power of the River: The power of the Mississippi River is unparalleled by any other river in the United States, rivaled only by the Amazon in South America. Its source, Lake Itasca, is a small and modest body of water located in Minnesota, but it gradually gains more power with every mile as it meanders South. Eventually, it reaches an average width of 0.8 to 1.6 miles and a depth of up to 200 feet, becoming one of the most important navigational routes in the United States.
Social Impact of the Mississippi River: The Mississippi River has been instrumental in the population growth and economic power of the various states that line it and even in the formation of the nation itself. Its waters have been used to power the industrial and agricultural nations that were built on it’s banks. Today, major cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Minneapolis are major tourist destinations and contribute significantly to their respective states’ economies.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River:The sheer power of the Mississippi River and its importance as both a national civic and an economic booster also means that it has an equally significant impact on the environment. With so many people living and working around it, the river has become a complex balance between the vast array of species dependent on it for survival and the human activity that is rapidly depleting its once plentiful resources. As a result, efforts are constantly being made to preserve the Mississippi River and its delicate ecosystem.
Measuring the Mississippi River: When attempting to measure the length of the Mississippi River, different techniques are used depending on what’s being measured. To measure its full length, including its many tributaries and streams, the distance is calculated using a nautical measurement known as Nautical Miles (Nm). Nm takes into account the “greatest length of every meandering of the main stream” of the Mississippi, meaning that the length of the river is constantly changing. In total, the length of the river according to this system is 2,320 miles.
Length of Key Tributaries of the Mississippi River
Missouri River: Stretching 2,341 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains, the Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River. It is considered the lifeblood of Missouri, providing them with much of their flooding and irrigation needs. It is also home to significant transportation infrastructure, but its waters tend to be polluted by cargo and runoff from farms.
Ohio River: The Ohio River is one of the most important tributaries of the Mississippi, stretching an impressive 981 miles. It’s located in the Midwest and forms part of the borders of Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Ohio. It has been important in the development of the region since the late 18th century, when it was used as a major transportation route.
Arkansas River: The Arkansas River is one of the major tributaries of the Mississippi River. It is 1,460 miles long, stretching from Colorado to Arkansas. The river is a major transportation route in the region and has been an integral part of the South’s economy for centuries. It is now managed for the purpose of navigation, irrigation, flood control, and power generation.
Red River: The Red River is the second of the two main tributaries of the Mississippi River. It forms in southeast Oklahoma and extends for 1,290 miles before joining the Mississippi River in North Louisiana. The river carries a lot of sediment and silt, making it suitable for supporting fisheries and other aquatic life. It is also home to some of the most iconic cities of the US Deep South, such as Dallas, Fort Worth, and Shreveport.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
Transport: One of the most important economic impacts of the Mississippi River is its use as a major transportation route. In addition to its significance as an important waterway for trade, the river is used as a major source of transportation and storage for many goods and products. It is the main artery for bringing goods from the Midwest, the South, and the Gulf Coast to the rest of the nation.
Agriculture: The Mississippi River is a major contributor to the agricultural industry. Its water is used to irrigate and grow crops in many of the states it passes through, providing a vital source of income for the regional economy. The river is also a major source of water for drinking, recreation, and fish breeding.
Related Industries: Along with its agricultural, transportation, and fishing industries, the Mississippi River is also a powerful stimulus for many other related industries. Tourism, shipping, and construction are just some of the industries that rely heavily on the river and its particular economic benefits.
Pollution: Despite the economic benefits of the Mississippi River, it has experienced significant amounts of pollution in recent years. Along with the impact of agricultural runoff and industrial waste, climate change is playing a major role in the river’s power, water level, and capacity.
Ecosystem Impact of the Mississippi River
Aquatic Life: One of the most important impacts of the Mississippi River on the environment is the abundance of aquatic life that it supports. Over 300 species of fish, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic animals thrive in the river and the tributaries that surround it.
Habitat: The Mississippi River also provides important habitat for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Many different species of mammals, including beavers, bald eagles, and river otters, rely on the river and its banks for resources, food, and shelter.
Erosion: As the Mississippi River flows and meanders through the landscape, it has the potential to cause severe erosion of the land due to its great power. This can lead to flooding, sediment deposition, and the washing away of soils, leading to changing climates.
Flooding: The power of the Mississippi River also means that it has the potential to cause significant flooding due to overflow from its powerful waves. The river is constantly monitored to prevent overflows that can destroy valuable property and lives.
Legislative Actions to Protect the Mississippi River
Clean Water Act: The Clean Water Act (CWA) is one of the most important laws providing protection for the Mississippi River. It is a federal law that was established in 1972 designed to regulate the discharge of pollutants and protect the nation’s waterways. The CWA requires states to submit plans on how they will achieve water quality goals set by the EPA.
Rivers and Harbors Act: The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 is a federal law that protects the navigability of the river from potential damage caused by human activities. It also regulates power plants, dams, and chemical plants that use the river for resources, ensuring that the activity does not negatively impact the water or the surrounding environment.
Mississippi River Coordinated Resources Management Plan: This multifaceted plan is designed to protect and restore the Mississippi River basin. It is a collaboration between various agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and was created to ensure the continuity of the river’s natural attributes.
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program: This program assists communities around the Mississippi River in creating trails, restoring habitats, and conserving the river’s resources. It is administered by the National Park Service and funded by the US Department of the Interior. Through this program, communities are better able to protect the river for future generations.
Environmental Cleanup of the Mississippi River
Environmental Remediation: Environmental remediation is an important part of preserving the Mississippi River and its surrounding habitats. This process involves cleaning up and restoring areas of the river that have been polluted by human activities. It involves identifying, containing, and removing pollutants that have contaminated the river and its tributaries, as well as restoring habitats and ecosystems.
Wetland Protection: Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems in the Mississippi River Basin, providing vital habitats for wildlife and contributing to the water quality of the river. As a result, protecting and restoring these wetlands is critical to ensuring the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystems. This includes identifying the locations and types of wetlands, as well as taking action to minimize their destruction.
Pollution Management: Pollution management is also an essential tool for keeping the Mississippi clean. This process involves identifying the sources of pollution and controlling, as well as reducing, their effects. Pollutants from agricultural, industrial, and urban sources must be monitored to ensure that they do not enter the river and cause damage to its ecosystems and inhabitants.
Citizen Involvement: Citizen involvement is also an important aspect of environmental cleanup along the Mississippi River. Local citizens and communities can get involved in a variety of ways, such as helping with cleanup efforts, participating in public education campaigns, and volunteering their time to support the river’s protection.
