The question about whether Indiana is east of the Mississippi River has had various answers over the years. Some may say that Indiana lies east of the river, and yet others may argue that it lies to the north and west. Consequently, this article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject to enable readers to make an informed decision.
State of Indiana
Indiana is a state in the Midwestern United States. It is bordered by Ohio to the east, Illinois to the west, Michigan to the north, and the Ohio River and Indiana’s southwestern border with Kentucky to the south. It covers 35,841 square miles, making it the 38th largest state by area. According to the 2020 United States Census, it has a population of approximately 6,751,844 people. The state capital and largest city is Indianapolis.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and the fourth-longest river in the world, stretching 2,320 miles from its source in northern Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. Its watershed includes all or parts of 32 states and two Canadian provinces. It is widely known as the “Mighty Mississippi” and is a vital source of transportation, shipping, recreation and irrigation for the people of the United States.
Location of Indiana in Relation to the Mississippi River
Ultimately, Indiana is not actually located east of the Mississippi River. Although the state does border the river to the northwest, it does not lie to the east of it; it instead shares a border with Kentucky, which is located directly south of the Mississippi. In addition, Indiana’s easternmost point is 135 miles west of the Mississippi, further confirming that it does not actually lie to the east of the river.
In addition to its position relative to the river, Indiana is also located between the Great Lakes region in the northeast and the Ohio River basin in the south. The state is often referred to as “the Crossroads of America,” as it lies in the eastern part of the Midwest and is part of the Rust Belt and the Great Lakes region. It is also an important agricultural state, with corn, wheat, soybeans, tomatoes, and melons comprising the majority of its crop production. Finally, it is home to many major industrial centers, including Gary, Elkhart and Fort Wayne.
Positive and Negative Impact
The fact that the Mississippi River does not pass through or along Indiana’s borders is both a positive and a negative aspect. On one hand, it helps to reduce the state’s exposure to flooding that could be caused by the river during times of heavy rainfall or excessive snowmelt. On the other hand, the absence of the Mississippi to the east of the state limits the potential for river-based shipping activity and commerce in Indiana.
Nevertheless, the lack of the Mississippi’s presence in Indiana is mitigated by the presence of numerous rivers and streams that cross the state, primarily the Wabash and White Rivers. These waterways support important ports, as well as industrial and recreational activities along their banks. Furthermore, the absence of the Mississippi River also helps to reduce the severity of the flooding that can occur in other parts of the country due to the river’s capacity to swell during times of heavy precipitation.
Climate of the Area
The climate of Indiana is generally considered to be continental, with hot and humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters with occasional snowstorms. The majority of the state experiences four distinct seasons, while the extreme southern regions can be quite warm in the summer with temperatures that can exceed 90 degrees F. The average temperature in June is around 68⁰F, while the average temperature in December is around 29⁰F.
Spring and fall are generally mild, with the average spring temperature being 51⁰F, while the fall temperature averages at 49⁰F. The average rainfall throughout the year is typically in the range of 35 to 45 inches, with some areas receiving up to 50 inches of annual rainfall due to the influence of nearby bodies of water.
Economic Impacts
The fact that Indiana does not have a Mississippi River running through it has its own economic implications. It can be argued that the lack of the river has limited the state’s ability to engage in the shipping and transportation industries that are commonplace in those states that do have the river connecting them. It is worth noting, however, that the many rivers and streams in the state have helped to facilitate commerce through their waterway-based activities.
Furthermore, although the absence of the Mississippi may have limited the potential for economic growth, the state’s overall economy is still strong. In fact, in 2020, Indiana was recognized as the 10th most business-friendly state in the U.S. According to the same report, Indiana has the third-lowest unemployment rate in the country, at just 3.6%.
Conclusion to the Question
In conclusion, while the Mississippi River is a prominent force in the American landscape and plays a key role in connecting many states, it does not make its way through Indiana. This is not to say that Indiana doesn’t experience the impact of rivers and streams, as there are many rivers and streams that traverse the state and have their own sources of impact. However, one cannot make the argument that Indiana is east of the Mississippi River, as the state does not technically share a border with it.
Environmental Impact
While the Mississippi River does not actually traverse Indiana, its influence still affects the state’s environment. For example, the runoff from the river could lead to increased runoff into the tributaries and lakes of Indiana, which could lead to an increase in pollution levels. In addition, the increased levels of water could lead to an increased potential for flooding in some areas due to the high levels of precipitation and runoff in the state.
Moreover, the absence of the river could also lead to a decrease in water levels in the Ohio River and its tributaries. The Ohio is the main source of water for Indiana, and its levels have been in decline in recent years due to a combination of factors. Consequently, the lack of the Mississippi in Indiana could lead to more serious issues concerning water availability and water quality in the state.
Agriculture
As previously stated, Indiana is a major agricultural state, with some of its most important crops being corn and wheat. The lack of the Mississippi River in the state means that farmers are unable to take advantage of the river’s ability to provide water for crop irrigation. Instead, they are largely reliant on groundwater and rainfall, which can be unreliable and unpredictable.
Consequently, farmers have to be sure to use conservation strategies and practices to help ensure their crop yields. This includes things like crop rotation, water retention and soil conservation, as well as employing more sustainable practices such as no-till and low-till farming. Ultimately, this leads to a decrease in crop yields, as farmers are unable to access the consistent flow of water provided by the Mississippi.
Tourism
Although Indiana does not have the Mississippi River running through it, the state is still home to many tourist attractions. Indianapolis is a popular destination for sports fans, with its professional football and basketball teams delivering entertaining performances every year. Additionally, the city is home to a vibrant nightlife, as well as many of architectural and cultural landmarks.
Aside from the capital, Indiana is home to many other notable destinations, including the Indiana Dunes National Park, which is located along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is known for its pristine beaches, lush woodlands and rugged dunes, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and camping. Additionally, Indiana is also home to many local wineries and craft breweries, which make it a great destination for anyone looking for a more relaxed and leisurely experience.
