KENTUCKY
Kentucky is located in the eastern region of the United States, making it east of the Mississippi River. The state of Kentucky is bordered by seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. It was the 15th state admitted to the union and became a state in 1792. It is considered “The Bluegrass State” due to the fact that it was the first in the country to practice and popularize the growing of bluegrass.
The capital of Kentucky is located in the city of Frankfort, while its largest city is Louisville. It is the 26th largest state in terms of population, with an estimated 4,467,673 people residing within its borders as of 2019. The state is known for its diverse culture, with a wide variety of activities and spots to experience such as the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is located in the United States and is the second longest river in the country, after the Missouri River. It is considered one of the most important rivers in America and has been used as both a form of transportation and a source of income for many towns and cities located near it.
The Mississippi River is often referred to as the “Father of Waters.” and it is an integral part of the geography of the United States. It is considered by some to be the largest river system in North America and is the fourth largest in the world.
The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota and flows southeast through Wisconsin and Illinois, then turning southward and entering into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans, Louisiana. Over the course of its entire span, the Mississippi River is approximately 2,320 miles (3,734 kilometers) long.
Location Relative to Mississippi River
Kentucky is located to the east of the Mississippi River, with its border states located on either side. On the west side, Kentucky is bordered by Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. While, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virigina, and Kentucky are located to the east.
The Mississippi River forms a boundary between Kentucky and Missouri, bordered by Fort Jefferson in the south, and Essex in the north. The Mississippi River also serves as the border between Kentucky and Illinois in the northwest region, and Arkansas in the southwest.
The Mississipppi River itself runs along the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and West Virginia, though Kentucky does not border the river. However, Kentucky is east of the Mississippi River and is considered to be “East of the Mississippi”.
Crossing of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi river is also known for its numerous bridges and ferries that help to cross the river. In Kentucky, there are three major bridges crossing the Mississippi. These are the Prentiss Bridge, the I-24 Columbus-Belmont Bridge and the I-57 Cairo Bridge, along with the historic Ohio River Ferry. The one toll-bridge in Kentucky is the U.S. Route 42 Eggner Ferry Bridge connecting Trigg and Marshall Counties.
The Prentiss Bridge, located in Hickman County, is the longest bridge in the state of Kentucky at 3,490 feet (1,064 meters). The I-24 Columbus- Belmont Bridge is considered to be the tallest bridge in the state at 136.8 feet (41.7 meters). It was built in 1975 and is used extensively by local commuters and commercial truckers alike. The Cairo Bridge has a length of 2,260 feet (686 m) and is also heavily used by commuters.
The Ohio River Ferry is a historic vehicle and pedestrian ferry located near Owensboro, Kentucky. Although it is no longer in service, it remains a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the area. The Eggner Ferry Bridge over the Tennessee River is the one toll bridge in Kentucky. It connects the two counties of Trigg and Marshall and was completed in 2012. The bridge has a total length of 5,802 feet (1,769 m) and carries four lanes of traffic.
Impact of the Mississippi River
The presence of the Mississippi River has had a major impact on the states located east of it, including Kentucky. It has been used as a primary source of water for irrigation and drinking. The river is also a popular fishing destination and is a major source of transportation, with many towns and cities located along its banks. Additionally, its presence has spawned an array of local and regional businesses involving tourism, transportation, and fishing.
The majestic river has also been a source of natural disasters in the past, with large floods occuring in some regions. In 1927, a major flood along the Mississippi River caused catastrophic losses in many areas, including Kentucky. It caused a total of around $750 million in damages in both 1927 and 1928 (the latter year being the worst affected).
The river was also the setting for a major civil war battle during the American Civil War, the Battle of Fort Donelson. The battle ended in a Union victory and helped to establish the Union as the controlling force in the region.
Economic Implications of the Mississippi River for Kentucky
The economic implications of the Mississippi River for Kentucky are tangible. With the presence of the river, businesses, towns, and cities have been able to prosper, with more people and tourists visiting the region and more jobs created. Kentucky is one of the states that have benefited significantly from the presence of the Mississippi River, with the transportation and fishing industries being two of the most important ares of the state economy.
The current economic trend, however, is not all positive. With the increasing amount of industrialization and pollution in the river, many industries are struggling and the river has become a breeding ground for non-native species. This has had a negative effect on the fishing industry and has threatened the livelihood of many fishermen.
The economic impact of the Mississippi River has been felt throughout Kentucky, with the river being a major factor in the state’s livelihood. The river offers vast resources, providing residents with jobs and a source of income for many towns and cities along its banks. However, it has also caused some negative effects and is in need of protection.
Environmental Implications of the Mississippi River for Kentucky
The presence of the Mississippi River has had a great impact on the environment of Kentucky, with many of its unique ecosystems providing habitats for a number of wildlife species. The river has been home to an abundance of aquatic wildlife, including over 160 species of fishes in the lower Mississippi and numerous bird species along the riverbanks. The presence of the river also helps to foster tourism and recreational activities, such as fishing and boating, providing an important source of income for towns and cities along its banks.
The river is also incredibly vulnerable to pollution and is facing a number of environmental challenges. It is being subjected to significant amounts of human interference, with large-scale industrialization and pollution threatening many of its species. The river is also threatened by increased sedimentation and chemical runoff, affecting the health of its wildlife and plants. In order to protect the river and its wildlife, it is essential to reduce the quantity of pollutants being released into the river and to monitor and control the activities of industries near the river.
The presence of the Mississippi River is a vital part of the environment of Kentucky and must be preserved for its inhabitants, both human and animal. If the river’s health is not taken seriously, it could have serious consequences for the citizens of Kentucky and for future generations.
Conclusion
Kentucky is located east of the Mississippi River, with its border states located on either side. The presence of the Mississippi River has had a great impact on the state of Kentucky, both economically and environmentally. The river has been used as a primary source of water for irrigation and drinking, served as a transportation route, and provided a range of recreational activities for visitors and citizens alike. However, the river is vulnerable to pollution and is facing a number of environmental challenges. It is essential to protect and preserve the Mississippi River in order to ensure its long term health and the health of the species that inhabit it.
