Kansas is a state located in the Midwest U.S., surrounding the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. Breaking down the geographical significance of the two rivers, the Mississippi River is in the east, north-east and north of Kansas, where it forms the eastern borders of the state. The Missouri River, on the other hand, is located more to the west, stretching from the western edges of the state all the way to the southeast. As the Mississippi River runs through the state’s north-eastern border, it is correct to say that Kansas is west of the Mississippi River.
But this is not something that can be easily determined. Confusion often arises when people try to imagine the size and scale of the two rivers. To properly assess this, it is necessary to consider the size of each river and its location in relationship to the state of Kansas. The Mississippi River is much longer than the Missouri River, spanning 2,340 miles from its source in the Superior National Forest to the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River is just over 2,000 miles long, and it runs south from Nebraska and Iowa to Kansas City and St. Louis.
From a literal and technical point of view, it can be concluded that the state of Kansas is west of the Mississippi River. This is mostly due to the fact that the Missouri River cuts through western Kansas, and the Mississippi River forms the northeastern and eastern borders of the state. By looking at a map and taking into account the geographical location of the two rivers, one can easily ascertain that the state of Kansas is west of the Mississippi River.
Although understanding the location of Kansas in relation to the two rivers can be easily achieved, an understanding of the wider implications of the two rivers’ location is unseen to most. The two rivers divide the country along political, social and economic lines, with the Mississippi River serving as a natural barrier between the north and the south. The Mississippi River’s influence on the physical and cultural landscape is unparalleled, particularly in the Midwest, where cities such as Kansas City, Omaha and St. Louis, which all lie on the banks of the Mississippi River, have become major metropolises.
Historically, the rivers have been used for transportation, trading, and exploration. Small boat transportation first began with the settlement of Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette’s exploration of the Mississippi River in 1673, and was later used for steam travel in the 19th century. During the Civil War, the Mississippi River served as a major transportation route for the Union and Confederate Armies, and during the 21st century, the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers have become essential to the economic development of the Midwest.
The Mississippi River is a powerful force that has shaped Kansas and its culture. Its influence is seen in the vibrant culture of cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Despite the physical distance between the two rivers, they share more in common than many may realize. As such, it can be safely assumed that Kansas is west of the Mississippi River, located on the other side of the Missouri River.
The Mississippi’s impact on the local economy
The Mississippi River has had a tremendous impact on the local economy of Kansas. The river has served as a key transportation route for the development of settlements, towns and cities along the river banks, providing an opportunity for businesses to trade and transport goods, as well as providing access to resources. The river has also been used to power local mills, providing electricity to many parts of the state. Furthermore, access to fresh water from the rivers has allowed farmers to irrigate their fields, providing a reliable means of producing food for the local population.
In recent years, the Mississippi River has been a major source of employment in the local economy in places like Kansas City and St. Louis, with businesses taking advantage of the river’s location to transport goods, passengers and cargo. The river has become essential to the economic success of the region, with many businesses basing their operations along the river banks in order to take advantage of their proximity to the river.
As such, the Mississippi River has had an undeniable impact on the local economy, with the majority of the population relying on the river for sustenance, transportation and access to resources. As a result, the river has become an integral part of the region, with its influence stretching into the furthest corners of the state.
The Role Of The Mississippi River In Tourism
The Mississippi River has become an essential driver of tourism in the state of Kansas, with its influence being felt in both urban and rural areas. Its importance to the area is made more evident by the number of recreational activities and tourist attractions associated with the river. In places such as Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis, there are numerous attractions geared towards tourists, highlighting the importance of the Mississippi River as an attraction.
The river has served as a backdrop for numerous activities and events, such as boat cruises, fishing, canoeing, and sightseeing. Both locals and tourists alike are drawn to the river’s natural beauty, with its majestic banks, tranquil wildlife, and an array of activities on offer. Furthermore, the Mississippi River has been the setting for historical events, with the Battle of Vicksburg and the role it played in the Civil War being of particular note.
In addition, the riverbank towns have become popular destinations for tourists, with numerous museums, art galleries, historical sites, and restaurants all located within a short walk of the river. With more and more tourists flocking to the region each year, the importance of the Mississippi River in the local economy and culture cannot be overstated.
The Environment and the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital lifeline for the environment of Kansas and the surrounding states, providing vital sustenance and support to the various ecosystems that it impacts. It is home to an incredible array of species, with more than 366 species of fish, 120 species of amphibians, 93 species of reptiles, and over 400 species of birds all relying on the river for sustenance.
In addition, the Mississippi River serves as a vital source of water for the Midwestern states, providing vital resources for areas that are prone to drought. With this in mind, it is important to ensure that the river is not polluted, highlighting the jarring importance of clean water management and sustainability practices in the region.
Furthermore, the river’s importance to the environment extends beyond just environmental health, with its role in climate regulation and its incredible biodiversity being of particular note. Its importance as a natural resource cannot be overstated.
The Mississippi River and Its Significance in History
The Mississippi River has played a significant role in the history of Kansas and the surrounding region, having been the setting for numerous events and significant milestones. Its contribution to the region is evident in the cultural landscape, with its influence being felt in architecture, literature, music, and language.
The river has been the source of many tales and legends that have shaped the region’s identity, with stories such as the legend of Johnny Appleseed and the myth of Paul Bunyan highlighting the cultural importance of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, the river has been the setting for numerous historical events, with the Battle of Vicksburg, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Battle of Fort Sumter all being noteworthy moments.
The Mississippi River has also been the site of some of the nation’s greatest feats of engineering, with the completion of the Panama Canal and the construction of the Hoover Dam both occurring on the river. As such, the importance of the Mississippi River to American history, culture, and development cannot be understated.
The Importance of the River in the Modern Day
The Mississippi River continues to be an essential part of the cultural, economic, and environmental landscape of Kansas and the surrounding regions. Despite the physical distance between the two rivers, they remain closely connected, with their influence being seen across the region.
The river provides an essential source of sustenance, transportation, utility, and recreation, while its cultural influence continues to be felt in literature, music, language, and architecture. As such, the importance of the Mississippi River in the modern day should not be underestimated.
Moreover, with the changing climate and the increasing pressures on water resources, it is more important than ever to ensure that the river is conserved and managed responsibly. With the importance of the river in mind, it is only right that the states along the river take extra steps to ensure its conservation and protection.
