The Mighty Mississippi
The Mighty Mississippi River has long been the main thoroughfare of trade and culture of the United States and can be found meandering its way through many major cities. It is a conduit of opportunity, with many people and businesses finding and making their fortunes along its pathways and banks. One of these cities is Memphis, Tennessee, where the river undoubtedly plays an important and hugely influential part in life.
Memphis sits curiously and magnificently in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, at the northern edge of the Mississippi Delta, and is known for having the most inland port in the United States. It’s the home of blues, rock and roll and BBQ, and, of course, its geographical position on the mighty river. But what exactly is the width of the Mississippi River at Memphis? What makes the mighty Mississippi in Memphis so special?
It turns out that, depending on the needs and wants of local individuals and organizations, the actual width of the river can vary drastically. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has documented that the Mississippi River at Memphis can range anywhere between 1150 feet to 2400 feet wide. The width of the river is dependent on the season, water levels, and various other factors. While this may not sound like much, 2400 feet is approximately 0.46 of a mile, or more than twice the length of a football field.
The Mississippi River hasn’t always been as wide as it is today, however. Thanks to basic civil engineering, there have been many attempts over the years to ‘straighten’ and channel the river in order to make it an ideal boating route and help protect against floods and other natural disasters. Many levees, walls, dams and other such structures have been built to regulate the flow of the river and increase its navigability, and as such, have also increased its width.
When talking about the importance of the Mississippi River in Memphis, one must consider the incredible width of the river and acknowledge that it plays a vital role in the city’s economic and cultural development. One such example would be the importance of the Memph-Ark Mississippi River Heritage Trail. This is the Mississippi’s first and only water and roadway heritage trail, spanning over 1000 miles in total. This monumental infrastructure project has allowed for the development of many businesses, proliferated tourism and created economic opportunities.
The river is also an important source of fresh water for the people of Memphis. The people of the city rely heavily on the health and safety of the river for recreational use, fishing, and boating, and many people attribute the health and safety of their local water to the width of the river. The width of the Mississippi River in Memphis ensures that the flow of the river is less powerful, making the waters safer to swim and boat in.
Lastly, the mighty Mississippi at Memphis—with its raging width—provides the city and its residents with one of its best-loved hangouts. Mud Island River Park acts as a reminder that Memphis and its residents are not disconnected from the river, but rather a part of it. People flock to the park regularly to bask in the sunshine, stroll along the scale model of the lower Mississippi, or take in the view from the iconic Mississippi River Bridge.
The Culture of Memphis
The culture of Memphis can be largely attributed to its geographical position on the Mississippi River. For centuries, Memphis has gone through a variety of cultural changes and developments – from first being a trading post, to becoming a powerful cotton market, to more recently establishing itself as a vibrant and popular entertainment hub. All of these evolutions have been possible due to the presence of the Mississippi River. Whether it’s the waterway serving as a gateway for trading goods, or providing locals with a beautiful backdrop for recreation and entertainment.
The river can also be credited for some of Memphis’ famous local music acts, such as Elvis Presley and Justin Timberlake. The banks of the Mississippi have laid the groundwork for Memphis’ musical foundation, with live music venues popping up along the riverbanks, as well as music festivals that have now become a cornerstone of Memphis’ cultural offering. The river has also been an inspiration to some of the city’s most beloved literary figures, like author Tennessee Williams.
In Memphis, culture is also rich and varied, with music and literature playing a small part in the city’s history. Ethnic restaurants line the streets, colorful murals adorn shop fronts, and diverse specialty stores can be found all over the city. The arts and culture scene in Memphis is vibrant and exciting, and one could easily attribute some of this energy to the presence of the powerful Mississippi River in the area.
From folk dancers to street performers, there is always something to do in Memphis, and the river plays a huge part in this. On the banks of the mighty Mississippi, you can find outdoor events, art and music festivals, as well as a variety of cultural attractions. The river not only serves as a backdrop, but it is also a much-loved fixture of the local community. It acts as a centerpiece for the city, with many homes and businesses taking advantage of its impressive presence.
Living in Memphis
Living in Memphis comes with its perks, one of which is being able to soak in the culture of the city and the grandeur of the Mississippi River. While the power and beauty of the Mississippi isn’t lost on the people of Memphis, it’s important to remember that with great power comes responsibility. It’s up to the people of Memphis to use the river thoughtfully, conserving its beauty and power for generations to come.
Memphis has a lot of initiatives in place to promote responsible living, from environmentally friendly transportation modes like biking, to reducing energy consumption, to promoting green living. The Memphis Office of Sustainability has created a platform through which local businesses and residents can find ways to meaningfully and effectively reduce their environmental footprint. However, the most effective way to protect the might Mississippi is by valuing it and appreciating its beauty.
From rubber-tired barge pushes, to massive ore carriers, to tiny tugs, and sometimes even a few log rafts, the Mississippi River at Memphis is an incredible place for a variety of activities, both recreational and business. A testament to its beauty, width, and power, the river serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of the earth and protecting its natural resources.
The Impact of Human Activity
Unfortunately, due to human activities, the Mississippi River has come under threat in recent years, with pollution levels rising and species diversity diminishing. While the might of the Mississippi at Memphis is still strong and powerful, there is undoubtedly a long way to go in terms of protecting and preserving the river. Here’s hoping that, with the collective efforts of Memphis’ residents and businesses, the river will remain a powerful – yet fragile – part of Memphis’ identity for decades to come.
In terms of the physical impact of human activities, the Army Corps of Engineers has documented that the riverbed of the Mississippi has shifted eastward by roughly 3 miles since the late 1800s. This has happened due to an increase of dredging, sand and gravel extraction, and the introduction of local dams. As a result, the width of the river has unfortunately become narrower in some sections downstream of Memphis.
In addition to this, over-development has been a major issue along the banks of the Mississippi in Memphis. People have not only polluted the river, but have encroached on its banks, leading to constant flooding of the surrounding areas and destruction of local habitats. The city of Memphis has now taken steps to protect the banks of the Mississippi and minimize the impacts of human activity by implementing new building regulations and encouraging the development of eco-friendly initiatives.
Conclusion
The Mighty Mississippi River at Memphis has long been an integral part of the city’s culture and identity. Not only is it a powerful force of nature, providing the citizens of Memphis with a variety of recreational activities, it has also served as the backbone of the city’s economy. With the help of civil engineering, the river has been widened over the years, making it easier to navigate and exposing the city to even more opportunities.
However, it’s important to respect and protect the Mississippi. Due to human activity, the landscape of the river has changed drastically, leading to more flooding and destruction of local habitats. It will be a collective effort of the people of Memphis to take steps towards protecting the river, so that it remains a powerful and majestic part of the city for generations to come.
