Measuring over 2,300 miles in length, the Mississippi River is the third-longest river in the United States and the fourth-longest river in the world. Its width, however, varies widely depending on its location along its sprawling network of tributaries, canals, and reservoirs. From its narrowest point near Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi is just a shallow stream, not even reaching 20 feet in width. Its greatest breadth, at Lake Pepin in Wisconsin, widens the river to over a mile wide.
This river holds many secrets, as well as records. During times of flooding, the Mississippi River can cover as much as 16 miles in width as it rushes to the Gulf of Mexico. On average, the Mississippi bubble is around 2.6 miles wide at the widest point, classified as a ‘perennial river’, meaning water is present in it for most of the year and strong enough to support boat navigation. Because of its impressive width, it forms part of the United States’ borders with both Tennessee and Arkansas.
The state of Louisiana is by far the widest part of the Mississippi River length with a staggering breadth up to 12 miles across. At its widest point, the river is close to the island-dotted Atchafalaya Basin of Louisiana, itself being one of the greatest wetlands in the world. This is also the place where some of the most iconic scenes of the river have taken place in the past several centuries- like the time when the paddle wheelers of the 19th century crossed the Mississippi in all its glory.
The breadth and power of the river create an ever-present danger. The Mississippi has been including a third major natural disaster risk factor for the US: river flooding. Flows can increase quickly as plains and terraces get saturated from heavy rainfall or melted snow. Even worse, once the river overflows its banks, the flooding can remain for long periods of time. Towns and cities near the river frequently have to cope with the difficult decision of either bearing the repercussions of the flood, or moving away.
It’s crystal clear that the Mississippi River continues to be a crucial part of not only US geomorphology but also in the country’s culture. Its immense width, depth and length make it the primary waterway in the USA. That said, its ever-changing width can cause some challenges, from economic losses associated with damages from flooding to navigation, where captains of ships and boats need to be aware of the danger of diving into overly-shallow waters.
Floods
Floods, especially major floods, can cause tremendous damage. The scourge of the Mississippi floodwaters has reached nearly every corner of the river and has destroyed crops, buildings, and even entire towns. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 (when the levees broke) affected more than 16 million people, leaving them homeless and jobless, and causing forward-estimated damages in the scores of billions.
The widespread destruction caused by the floods has prompted authorities to take measures to prevent future floods and limit the damage caused by potential catastrophes. Since 1927, the US Army Corps of Engineers has taken extensive steps to prevent severe flooding and control floodwaters. These steps have included river levees, canal systems, and river basin management to attempt to keep the river within its banks. In addition, the National Flood Insurance Program has been created to provide financial assistance to victims of flooding.
Some areas of the Mississippi River have been declared “flood zones”, areas deemed susceptible to flooding. In these areas, the government has mandated that certain precautions be taken such as erecting levees, building dikes, and other forms of flood control. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of flooding in a given area, but can also impose restrictions on property development in flood zones.
Navigating the Mississippi River can be a daunting prospect for any sailor. The churning waters and unpredictable currents have caused many ships and boats to capsize, sink, or get stranded in the mud. But with the right measures and precautions, large ships and barges can travel safely up and down the mighty Mississippi.
The width of the river is of prime importance to these navigators. The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains the 9-foot navigation channel, which is the depth of the river required for safe passage of barges and other shallow-draft vessels. Although the river is usually much deeper than 9 feet, the shallower areas still pose a danger to navigators. To help reduce this risk, the Army Corps dredges the channel and builds revetments (stone walls) to direct the flow and prevent erosion.
The narrowest parts of the river can still pose problems to smaller vessels, especially those with deep drafts. This can be addressed by traveling with the current or in groups to ensure sufficient buoyancy (draft) to traverse the sluice. If a large flotilla of small crafts travel at once, the concentration of vessels also helps to maintain a deep enough navigational channel.
Recreation & Tourism
The Mississippi River has been used for recreational activities for centuries. Today, it remains a major tourist draw for its beauty and grandeur. From scenic cruises to exploring its natural habitats, tourists flock the region to experience the river in its full glory.
Fishing is a popular activity along the banks of the river. Anglers, both recreational and professional, have been catching catfish, largemouth bass, and carp in the waters of the Mississippi since the times of Lewis & Clark. The river provides prime habitat for these gamefish and can be a challenge for even the most experienced angler.
Birdwatchers can also take advantage of the Mississippi’s abundant wildlife. The stretch between St. Louis and Cairo is known for its great egret and blue heron rookeries. Thousands of migratory birds use this area for refuge during the winter months, creating a unique viewing opportunity for birders.
The river also provides ample opportunity for water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, tubing, sailing, and swimming. Even a short excursion on a boat or on a personal craft can bring access to parts of the river that are otherwise inaccessible.
Economic Decline
Throughout its history, the Mississippi River has been an important economic and commercial corridor in the United States. Its wide span enabled farmers and merchants to transport goods to markets all over the country, while boatmen and fur traders gathered resources from its depths. However, these trades have largely been replaced by modern transportation methods, leaving the states along the river in economic decline.
Cities such as Memphis and Vicksburg, Mississippi, once bustling hubs of economic activity, have recently seen an exodus of businesses and jobs. With fewer jobs and less available capital, many of these towns have become increasingly impoverished. This is especially true of rural areas in the Mississippi Delta, home of some of the highest poverty rates in the United States.
The situation has prompted calls for increased investment in the communities along the river. A number of programs have been implemented in recent years to attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurs to the area. In addition, rural towns are now embracing tourism, using the natural beauty of the river as a lure to bring visitors and create jobs.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River has also had a profound impact on the environment. The changing of the course of the river, the construction of levees and dikes, and the dredging of the navigation channel has had long-term effects on nearby ecosystems. The river has flooded many wetlands, destroying critical habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife. The runoff from fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants from agricultural operations has also polluted the river, posing a hazard to aquatic life.
In recent years, the US Army Corps of Engineers has become more proactive in addressing these environmental concerns. Programs such as the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and more recent projects such as the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program have focused on restoring the ecology of the river. By restoring wetland and riparian habitats, improving fish and wildlife populations, and reducing pollutant runoff, these projects have helped improve the overall health of the Mississippi River.
The ever-changing width of the Mississippi River governs much of its character and its legacy. While its vast span has enabled an incredible array of activities, it has also caused devastating floods and environmental degradation. Its width varies greatly depending on its location, but its one thing we can be sure of: the ancient river isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
