Is Kentucky West of the Mississippi River?
Many Americans and even some people from abroad may know what the great Mississippi river is, but most do not know all the states it divides and the borders it creates. One prominent US state that lies on the western side of the Mississippi River is Kentucky. This article will examine whether Kentucky is west of the Mississippi River, briefly explain its geography, and assess the implications of being on the opposite side of the dividing line.
The answer to the initial question is: yes, Kentucky is indeed west of the Mississippi River. Kentucky is one of seven US states that are considered to be ‘West of the Mississippi River’, alongside Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and others. Furthermore, Kentucky actually borders the Mississippi River, meaning that part of the state’s borde line includes the scenic and historically important body of water.
Geographically, Kentucky lies in the midst of several other American states and its terrain is comprised mostly of rolling hills, green valleys, and plenty of flowing rivers and various bodies of water. Kentucky is decidedly an architecturally and visually stunning state, as evidenced by its nickname, the ‘Bluegrass State’, and its stunningly green scenery in the Spring and Summer months.
In addition to the fact that Kentucky is west of the Mississippi River, there are other implications of being part of the west side of the watery divide. Historically, the great Mississippi River has served as something of a dividing line between the United States’ eastern and western sides, with some differences in way of life, laws, and even accents resulting from the river’s presence. As with any great dividing line, being positioned to the same side or opposite side of the river can present one with differing benefits or disadvantages. Nevertheless, many Kentuckians and Americans alike take great pride in being part of the West side of the mighty Mississippi.
Agricultural Significance
Agriculturally, Kentucky’s run of the Mississippi River provides ample benefits, particularly due to the Grand Rivers, which are a host of rivers and streams that run west of the Mississippi and through Kentucky. Thus, this accommodation of various tributaries and flowing bodies of water fertilizer and oxgenates the soil of Kentucky sufficiently, resulting in the excellent agricultural yields that the state is well known for producing.
Points of interest for the agricultural industry of Kentucky are well known beyond the state’s borders, with many ardent agriculturalists from across the US and even from abroad with knowledge of the state’s ample water supplies and quality of topsoil. This has resulted in plenty of investment from outside the state, allowing Kentucky’s agriculture to stay up to date and high-tech despite its position in the United States.
One major example of Kentucky’s agricultural prowess is its tobacco production, which is considered to be one of the state’s most profitable crops. Kentucky is classed as the third largest tobacco producing state in the US, with its annual sale of tobacco is raking in more than $1.5 billion in revenue each year. This money is mainly received from selling American made tobacco products to a variety of foreign buyers. Thus, Kentucky’s agricultural success is internationally visible, and its position on the West side of the Mississippi River certainly helps to affirm and ensure that status.
Cultural Impact
Culturally, Kentucky has also embraced its position on the West side of the great Mississippi River; in many ways it is a state that embraces both its Southern roots and its Mid-Western charm, making it an attractive location for potential visitors and even potential residents.
From the state’s vibrant horse racing culture to its deep-rooted Southern hospitality and friendly demeanor, Kentucky showcases how it is possible to mix both Western and Eastern influences successfully. Furthermore, the state’s acoustic music culture, promising food scene, and overall commitment to traditional means of entertainment such as horse racing make it a pleasing destination for tourists from all over the United States.
Finally, Kentucky has also developed a very strong sporting culture across many American sports, particularly in the field of basketball, and various teams from the state’s various cities have earned acclaim after participating in the national level games. Due to the state’s geography, it can even be argued that the rivers and valleys of Kentucky have served to separate the state’s culture from those of any of its neighbors, allowing for its own unique and distinct culture to take hold.
Economical and Political Impact
Economically, Kentucky’s position on the West side of the Mississippi has certainly proven beneficial. The state is known for having an abundance of natural resources due to its ample water supply and excellent geological terrain. This has allowed for factories and plants to be constructed, granting the citizens of Kentucky thousands of jobs in the manufacturing sector.
The state’s extensive political history has also been touched by its position on the western side of the Mississippi River. Many historically important figures have hailed from the state, including Vice-President John C. Breckinridge, who was born and raised in the Bluegrass State.
Politically, the state primarily votes for Democratic-leaning candidates in presidential, state, and local elections, and this trend has remained consistent for many decades. Furthermore, the state has always expressed a large amount of support for its traditional means of entertainment such as horse racing, entertaining, and sports. Though its politics may lean left, its entertainment culture remains staunchly traditional, a situation likely engendered by its rural nature, the biblical imagery of its names, the richness of its local culture, and the influences afforded by its geography.
Summary of Implications
To summarise, Kentucky’s position on the West side of the Mississippi River has proven to be beneficial in many ways. From its agricultural prowess and its booming tourism industry, to its traditional means of entertainment, the state’s connection to the mighty Mississippi River is seemingly ever-present. Aesthetically and geographically, Kentucky is simply stunning and its rolling hills, green valleys, and sprawling rivers culminate in a manner of grandeur seldom seen in other areas of the United States.
Significance to Business Industry
Finally, when taking into account how businesses conducted in Kentucky are affected by being on the West side of the Mississippi River, it is clear that the state’s relationship with the river is strong and has been beneficial to the local businesses and economy as a whole. This is due to the plentiful resources afforded by the river, which include an abundance of h2O, ample topsoil, and incredible access to a variety of tributaries, streams and waterways throughout the state.
The Mississippi River has made it possible for Kentucky to benefit greatly from having access to an enormous amount of fresh water, allowing for the state’s agriculture to thrive and the state’s local businesses to benefit from this. Furthermore, the Mississippi River has served as a significant trade route for Kentucky for centuries, allowing for trade between states and countries to be conducted in a swift yet effective manner.
Economic Implications
In recent times, the economic implications of Kentucky being on the West side of the Mississippi River have been wide-reaching. The river has enabled the state to build many of its iconic buildings, with both the Governor’s mansion and several renowned state buildings located just a few miles away from the Mississippi. Indeed, these buildings have a strong historical connection with the river, an apt reminder of the importance of the river to the state.
Moreover, the Mississippi’s trade routes have been utilized by local businesses throughout the state, allowing them to expand into areas both near and far from the state. Furthermore, the river has served as a source of inspiration for many of the state’s entrepreneurs and business owners, who appreciate the importance of the river in the state’s economic success. Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, stands testament to the importance of the Mississippi River to the state, as its citizens continue to reap the economic opportunities it has brought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Kentucky’s presence on the crucially important Western side of the Mississippi River has had both historical and contemporary significance, truly proving why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Gateway to the West’. Whether it has been for agricultural purposes, for business, for entertainment, or for travel, Kentucky’s privileged position on the Mississippi River has proved that the state knows no boundaries and is set to remain a beacon of American industry, culture, and enterprise for centuries to come.
