The Mighty Mississippi
The Mississippi River – famed for its expansive expanse, unique culture and historical relevance – has been an integral part of the midwestern landscape since the time Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark up the Missouri. Spanning over 2,300 miles through ten American states, the “Mighty Mississippi” serves as a key waterway for commerce and transportation, providing a link to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The river also boasts significant urban centers, which have brought development, opportunity, and a unique culture unlikely to be found anywhere else in the United States.
One of these iconic cities is Memphis, Tennessee, home to the controversial studios of Sun Records and the birthplace of rock and roll. The murky banks of the Mississippi have been the backdrop for a variety of historic events, from the great flood of 1927 to the epic civil rights march of 1966. Considering its rich significance, as well as its geographic location, one might be interested to know how wide is the Mississippi River at Memphis?
According to the US Geological Survey, the Mississippi River at Memphis resembles an elongated “S” shape and is, for the most part, relatively wide. In fact, at the very center of Memphis it can reach around 1,300 feet wide. That is approximately equal to four football fields laid end-to-end. The depth of the river also plays a crucial part in its native geography, as it averages around 10.5 feet and is, in some places, greater than 25 feet.
The Benefits of Shipping and Trade Along the Mississippi
Not surprisingly, the river’s expanse and depth lend itself very well to shipping and trading. As a major transport hub and one of the largest river ports in the world, Memphis and its ports have received imports and exports from all over the globe. Products such as steel, grain, coal, and fertilizer often travel along the waterway and even on the Great Lake system and further, as far as Canada and the Caribbean.
Not only does this industry provide an excellent economic benefit to the region, it also serves an important part in the food chain. Millions upon millions of tons of grain undulate up and down the river each year, providing vital sustenance for millions of people. Moreover, cross-continental commerce has been critical in helping businesses overseas access US markets. This trade has allowed smaller countries, such as those in Central America, to expand their economic independence and keep their citizens out of poverty.
Memphis’ Historic Role with the Mississippi
Memphis has long had a vital role in the commerce of the mighty Mississippi River. As one of the earliest cities to be settled along its banks, Memphis has provided a gateway to transport goods and people to further destinations. It’s importance as a trading port and transport channel snowballed in the 19th century as it became a major hub for cotton and other goods. Other industries, such as music, thrived and still remain in Memphis to this day.
However, Memphis has not been without its problems. One of the biggest issues has been flooding. The great flood of 1927 was one of the worst disasters to ever occur in the region, leaving tens of thousands of people homeless. To combat this, the US Army Corps of Engineers created levees and embankments to reduce the risk of flooding and to manage the river’s width and depth more proficiently.
The city faces several other challenges, including poverty, corruption and an unfair economic system. To date, the Mississippi River remains a source of both peril and progress upon which much of the city’s potential and history lie.
The Effects of the River on the Surrounding Areas
The Mississippi River is a keystone of life and industry, but its effects are far-reaching and influence the areas beyond its banks, too. The massive volume and movement of the water can shape the land around it, forming and eroding sedimentary rock layers and creating wetlands. This, in turn, can affect the atmosphere and climate of the entire region.
The sediment also plays a vital role in the supply of resources. In fact, the relentless movement of the river helps to bring new additions to floodplains, often carrying important minerals and plant life downstream. Without this supply, the surrounding areas would soon suffer from a shortage of much-needed nutrients. Moreover, the Mississippi River is an important source of drinking water and provides the people of Memphis and other communities with a safe and inexpensive way to sustain themselves.
The Issues of Pollution and Overuse in the Mississippi
Though, unfortunately, prosperity has come with a steep cost. As the Mississippi has been exposed to channelling, boat travel and industrial development, there has been a steady increase in the levels of pollution. Plastic, chemical waste and other toxins find their way into the river and displace important native species. Large industries are also prone to spillage, further threatening the wellbeing of the ecosystem.
The over-use of the river has also caused concern, with conservationists warning that the huge amount of ships, barges and cruise vessels traveling up and down the Mississippi could eventually reach breaking point. This is especially true of the busy port at Memphis, where traffic is almost incessant.
Moreover, the river is heavily fished and provides a vital source of sustenance to native peoples. However, the dependency of this food source has caused concerns that too much fishing could eventually lead to a scarcity of fish, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem and depriving the people of the area of an essential source of nutrition.
Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts
On a more positive note, the governments of the states along the Mississippi have taken steps to reduce pollution and protect the natural environment. Several environmental protection laws have been introduced, ordering the closure of many industries and limiting the scale of shipping and trading. To ensure that regulations are adhered to, regular inspections are arranged.
Moreover, several non-profit organizations and charities have been established in order to better protect the river and its inhabitants. These range from local community projects to larger, nation-wide campaigns. Not only do these programs inform people about the dangers of water pollution, they also remind the public of the importance of the Mississippi and the need to keep it healthy.
Eradicating Poverty and Improving Quality of Life
Some social and political experts have even argued that poverty can be eradicated by developing the resources provided by the river. As well as providing an improved economy, such improvement would also substantially improve the quality of life for those living along the banks of the Mississippi.
One such example is the Greenville-Greenwood Canal, which has used the river’s waters to create a thriving trading community. Alongside this, water resources provide an invaluable source of water for drink and electricity, and thus have the potential to reduce poverty even further.
Green Energy Production in the Mississippi
The Mississippi River also provided an excellent opportunity for the production of green energy. Hydroelectric power plants make use of kinetic energy from the river, converting it into electricity. This has resulted in a decrease in the cost of energy and has also reduced emissions caused by fossil fuels. As well as providing a subject for research and development, the production of green energy has helped to reduce the strain on the environment and educate generations on the benefits of using sustainable sources of energy.
Though the pollution from industrial practices still lingers along the Mississippi, efforts by the government and organizations continue to tackle the problem. Stronger regulations have been brought in and access to clean drinking water is slowly becoming more widely available. There has also been a steady decrease in the number of private motor vessels and such trends are expected to continue in the future.
Electronic Monitoring of the River
Recent advances in technology have allowed researchers and researchers to observe and track the river with greater accuracy, utilizing electronic sensors and global positioning systems (GPS). These tools allow scientists to observe potential flooding, monitor water resources, and track the movement of vessels. Such technology has allowed governments and organizations to respond quickly to any issues, making sure that the Mississippi remains a safe environment for its inhabitants.
Furthermore, river monitoring services, such as USGS’s “Riverwatch”, keep people up-to-date with relevant data and ensure that any accidents or risks can be identified and action taken swiftly. Ultimately, this system will ensure the long-term health of the Mississippi – and its Midwestern neighbors – for many years to come.
Cultural Impact of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has also had a tremendous cultural impact on the people of the region, bringing a variety of music, art and literature. Being such an important trading port, Memphis has been a leading hub for performing arts, giving birth to popular musical forms such as blues and rock and roll. What’s more, national authors and playwrights have used the river as a muse, producing a variety of fiction, non-fiction and theatrical scripts.
Though the banks and cities of the Mississippi may have changed over time, its spirit and culture remain as strong and vibrant as ever. The people who call the river their home take pride in the many tales and histories of the Mississippi, forging a unique culture that is both diverse and unbreakable.
The Mississippi River at Memphis Today
Today, the Mississippi River still plays a fundamental role in the day-to-day lives of those living along its banks. From providing essential resources, to creating a unique cultural identity, to acting as a transport and trading connection to far away places, the Mighty Mississippi has no doubt made its mark. Despite significant damage due to pollution and overuse, the river remains an integral part of American life.
As for the width of the Mississippi River at Memphis, at its peak, it measures around 1,300 feet, and its depth is around 10.5 feet, in average. The Great River will keep flowing, providing sustenance to those living along its banks – and perhaps one day, the Mississippi will be as pristine and healthy as it once was.
