The Mighty Mississippi is a large, winding river that runs from northern Minnesota through the majority of the midwestern United States and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. At 2,340 miles long, it is the fourth longest river in the world and one of the primary drainage systems in North America. It is well known for its role in American history and culture, as a major transportation route for goods and people and for its economic importance. Despite its tremendous size and significance, however, the Mississippi is not the longest river in the U.S. That honor belongs to the Missouri River, at 2,341 miles long.
The source of the Mississippi is traditionally acknowledged as Lake Itasca in Minnesota, which is located near the Canadian border. From there, the river flows south and west, enlarging and feeding off of several tributaries until it reaches the Ohio and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. During its journey, the river flows through 10 different states and forms part of the border between Arkansas and Mississippi. In total, the Mississippi watershed drains 31 states, including most of the Midwest.
Geologists have debated the source of the Missouri River for centuries. Early settlers and explorers identified the source of the river to be in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, but more recent research suggests that it may originate in the Upper Missouri River Basin in the Great Plains. From there, the Missouri meanders east and south, eventually merging with the Mississippi shortly after the Arkansas-Missouri border. It passes through or borders ten states and is home to hundreds of species of fish, birds and mammals.
The Mississippi is one of the most culturally and historically significant rivers in North America. Throughout its long history, it has served as a natural border between French and later American settlements as well as a conduit for goods and people. During the 19th century, it was an important transportation route for European immigrants and traders, carrying goods from the Upper Midwest to the Lower Mississippi Delta. In the 20th century, civil rights activists used its waters for symbolic protests and marches. To this day, the Mississippi remains an essential part of the U.S. economy and its culture.
Although the Missouri River is the longest in the U.S., the Mississippi River still has a formidable size and importance. It provides essential habitat for countless species and livelihood for tens of millions of people. Despite a sometimes troubled history, it continues to spellbind all who encounter it.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi
The Mississippi creates a diverse range of economic opportunities for the states it spans. Fishing, tourism, and hydropower resources all produce sizable income. In addition, the Mississippi serves as a critical junction of the Midwest. Container ships transport minerals, metals, and farmer’s commodities down to New Orleans, where they are outfitted with additional goods sent upriver back to St. Louis and other cities. A 2011 report by the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative estimated that the river brings in over 500 billion dollars per year in economic activity.
The river also creates economic opportunity for local communities that depend on it. Many communities along the banks of the river engage in recreational fishing, camping and other activities. Small businesses have also sprouted along the banks of the Mississippi, taking advantage of their prime location. In addition, river towns such as New Orleans have become popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The economic importance of the Mississippi River has been steadily increasing over time. In the early 20th century, for instance, the river became a major transportation conduit. As demand for goods and services grew, so did the number of vessels plying along the length of the Mississippi and its tributaries, creating thousands of jobs in the process. Since then, the river itself has been outfitted with locks, dams, and bridges to facilitate the transport of goods and people, while never losing its significance as a vital source of sustenance.
Today, the Mississippi River helps generate over two trillion dollars in economic activity and provides jobs to over 500,000 workers. In addition, it supports an array of recreational activities and serves as a natural border between states, supporting tourism and local businesses.
Revolutionary Changes in the Mississippi
The physical landscape of the Mississippi has changed dramatically over the centuries. During the early 1800s, the river’s powerful currents caused frequent flooding and washed away towns and villages. To protect people from the raging waters, engineers constructed levees, floodway systems, and hundreds of miles of embankments. These improvements allowed for more consistent settlement and economic development.
In the mid-20th century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook a massive engineering effort to make the Mississippi more navigable. Construction of dams and locks, as well as channeling streams, has allowed for increased transportation of commodities and other freight. These navigational improvements have had a significant impact on coastal areas, allowing them to benefit from the development of fishing, shipping and other port activities.
More recently, the U.S. has launched a major effort to combat the loss of wetlands along the Mississippi. Environmental groups and state and federal agencies have joined forces to support land conservation, preserve wildlife, and support communities threatened by development and pollution. Restoration projects have helped reduce the risk of flooding and also improve the water quality of the river.
Mississippi River Pollution
Though conservation initiatives have had a positive effect on the river, the Mississippi still faces a number of environmental problems. Fertilizer runoff from farms, sewage discharge from cities, and industrial chemicals have caused the Mississippi to suffer from some of the highest levels of pollution in North America. Additionally, many species of fish, amphibians, and other wildlife have been endangered or eliminated due to the effects of pollution.
In response to these threats, several organizations and agencies have implemented efforts to reduce and prevent water pollution. A variety of federal and state regulations have been put in place to limit the runoff of agricultural and industrial chemicals. Cities have enacted measures to improve their sewage treatment plants, and watershed management plans have been enacted to reduce urban stormwater runoff.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also implemented a number of initiatives to reduce the impacts of pollutants such as sediment and nutrient runoff. The agency’s “Clean Water Action Plan” is an ambitious effort to reduce water pollution, restore wetland habitats, and reduce the amount of nutrients entering the river.
Mississippi River Restoration
In recent years, the most significant changes to the Mississippi River have been the result of restoration efforts. Following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ channel construction, a series of projects were undertaken to restore and enhance wetlands and habitats along the river’s path. These projects have focused on reintroducing native species and restoring sensitive areas.
The most successful restoration efforts have been in the form of wetland creation. In the Upper Mississippi, restoration projects have created thousands of acres of riverbank habitat. These projects have been beneficial for several species of fish and other wildlife, as well as for the recreational opportunities offered by these expanded habitats.
In the Lower Mississippi, efforts have been focused on redesigning levees and constructing wetlands. This work has been coordinated with efforts to restore floodplain forests, grasses, and other native vegetation. The result is an environment that is more diverse and resilient to flooding and drought.
Mississippi River Protection
In recent years, the U.S. has undertaken a number of initiatives to protect and preserve the Mississippi River. The “Save the Mississippi River Initiative” was created in 1994 with the goal of preserving the river’s cultural heritage and encouraging sustainable development along its banks. This initiative has been successful in preserving the environment while also providing economic opportunity for communities along the river.
The Mississippi River has also been designated as a National Scenic Riverway. This designation protects the river and its watershed from industrial development and has spurred conservation efforts in many areas. Furthermore, the designation offers legal protection to those who own property along the riverbanks and encourages river-related recreation.
In addition to these initiatives, the EPA has implemented a number of regulations and initiatives to address the water quality of the Mississippi River. These regulations have taken a variety of forms, from reducing industrial emissions to mandating limits on agricultural runoff. The EPA also launched an effort to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the river, which can lead to harmful algal blooms.
Mississippi River Conservation
Despite the efforts of government agencies and environmental organizations, the Mississippi River still faces a number of environmental threats. Climate change presents a particularly significant threat, as rising temperatures and sea levels can lead to significant changes in the river’s hydrology. In addition, increased urbanization and development can cause erosion and sedimentation problems.
Conservation groups have identified a number of steps that can be taken to mitigate these threats. Efforts include promoting sustainable farming practices, monitoring and controlling groundwater, and restoring the wetlands and floodplains along the river’s path. These practices will help protect the river’s water quality and its wildlife.
The Mississippi River has played a vital role in the development of the United States and continues to offer a diverse array of economic and recreational benefits. Despite its some of its environmental challenges, the river remains an essential source of sustenance, recreation, and transportation for many of the states it runs through. Conservation efforts will be essential to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment.
