Missouri: East OR West Of The Mississippi River?
The question of whether Missouri lies east or west of the Mississippi River is surprisingly contentious. Given its location in the Midwest, bordering Arkansas and Tennessee to the south, it is easy to assume that Missouri must be east of the river. However, geography enthusiasts know that the answer is a complex one that requires further exploration.
To Research the topic, one must first take a look at the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This agreement established Missouri as being both east and west of the Mississippi River. The concept of the Missouri Union was formed to –
- Regulate the admission of new states rejecting the Missouri Union
- Adopt free-soil policies
- Grant primary congressional representation to western states
The boundaries of the Missouri Union were set so that Missouri’s northern border ran along the north side of the 39th parallel, while its southern border ran along the 34th parallel, with the Mississippi River running just to the east of the Union. Thus, most of Missouri’s land mass lies east of the river.
But it is important to note that while the majority of Missouri’s landmass is east of the Mississippi River, it was granted parts of the West Bank and the Missouri River, both of which come from the river and form the Missouri state line. As such, a portion of the West Bank, which spans from the Missouri River to the Marshall, lies directly across from St. Louis and falls to the west of the Mississippi River. This figure includes the small region of land that was designated for trading post settlements, known as the Louisiana Purchase region.
When studying a map of the United States, therefore, it is easy to see why many people would consider Missouri to be east of the Mississippi River. The Eastern Border of the state of Missouri along the Mississippi River is the clearest demarcation between the East and West, despite having parts of the smaller West Bank crossing the river and forming an eastern border with Missouri.
Regarding the orientations of the states, there are many different opinions. While some may argue that Missouri is generally east of the river, others may claim that it is both east and west. It could be said that Missouri is a state of East and West merged together, which explains why its borders have been so chaotic in the past. No matter what school of thought one follows, it is clear that Missouri lies both east and west of the Mississippi.
River Cultures
The cultures on either side of the Mississippi River are distinct from each other, and many of their characteristics arise from their respective river history. In St. Louis, those who live on the east side of the Mississippi tend to be more traditional and conservative. This is reflected in the architecture of the city in which red brick buildings, ornate churches, and a few fancy houses adorn the area.
Meanwhile, those who live on the west of the Mississippi tend to be more modern and progressive. This is evident in the landscape, which is filled with art galleries, hip boutiques, and trendy cafes. It is also reflected in the politics; the western side of Missouri tends to lean further liberal than the east.
One may also hear or observe different dialects and accents on either side of the Mississippi. The variety of language from both sides reflects the cultural and historical differences between east and west Missouri. West of the Mississippi is more likely to feature vernaculars such as African-American Vernacular English, and is more commonly denoted by the “St. Louis twang”. Meanwhile, the east speaks more Midland and Southern dialects.
Ultimately, it is clear that both sides of the Mississippi have their own distinct cultures, despite the fact that they are both located within Missouri. East and West Missouri continue to offer different experiences, and they remain distinctly separate regions.
Industrial Impact
The Mississippi River has a large and ongoing impact on Missouri’s industries, particularly those east of the river. The reliance on the river runs deep, particularly in St. Louis, the most populous city in the state. The region is well known for its shipping, manufacturing, and energy production, all of which are heavily dependent on the river.
In addition to these industries, various resources from the river also sustain Missouri. St. Louis is a hub for the processing of crops, such as corn and soybeans, which are the main sources of many products, including livestock and animal feed. The region is particularly renowned for its pork production- it says that the state is the fifth-largest pork-producing state in the country due to it’s access to the river.
Much of Missouri’s tourism also can be attributed to its proximity to the Mississippi, as many travelers come to Missouri’s East Bank and take pleasure cruises down the river. The region is also home to numerous popular destinations that especially appeal to nature-loving travelers, including the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Jackson Falls, which offer calming and invigorating backdrops.
The local industries and tourism industries all depend heavily on the Mississippi, especially in the eastern part of the state, which lies closest to it. It is clear that the river remains a vital and defining force in Missouri.
Landscape Shift Over Time
The lands that are now occupied by the State of Missouri have undergone tremendous change over the course of its history. Most notably, the Mississippi River has slowly inched its way west, slowly forming and reforming the current landscape over the centuries. Over time, more and more lands have been reclaimed from the river, pushing towns and cities farther away from the Mississippi.
This shift was particularly evident in the 19th century, when the movement of settlers and farmers westward caused a surge in land acquisition. This change was supported by the advent of steamboats, which significantly improved transportation along the river and enabled settlers to access distant lands.
In many cases, towns and cities were simply relocated in order to make way for the river’s advancing shoreline. St. Louis, for example, was located on the west side of the Mississippi in the 19th century; however, the city was slowly pushed eastward by the river and was eventually relocated to the eastern side in 1840, with the western part becoming incorporated into the new state of Missouri.
It is evident that the present-day landscape of Missouri is shaped largely by the shifting of the Mississippi River, and this creates much of the complexity of the state’s geography, which requires further exploration in order to fully comprehend.
Native Americans and the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has always been an important part of the history of Missouri, especially for the Native American populations that inhabited the area for centuries prior to western settlement. The river serves as the geographical boundary between many of the different Native American nations that were in the area.
The Wappapello, an Osage branch of the Sioux, lived east of the Mississippi and the Quapaw, an Algonquian-speaking people, lived west of the river. This is one of many examples of the river’s importance as a divide in the native populations, who often sought refuge near its banks.
The Mississippi River was also an important part of the Native American way of life, as they used the river as an essential artery of trade and communication. Not only did many Native American tribes depend on the river for sustenance, but they also used it to access distant villages, trade goods, and expand their cultural knowledge.
The importance of the river has not faded over time and continues to play a crucial role in Native American societies in Missouri. Though much of the early history of the state has been overshadowed by western migration, it is important to recognize the importance of the river to the many indigenous groups that lived in the area.
Mississippi River and Recreation
The Mississippi River is an important part of the Missouri landscape, and it serves as a prominent source of recreational activities. With its plentiful trout, bass and catfish, the river is ideal for fishing, and it is a popular destination for anglers from all over the world.
In addition to fishing, various outfitter operations offer canoeing and kayaking trips along the Mississippi River, providing beautiful views of the countryside. Tour operators also offer sight-seeing cruises, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the sights that the state has to offer.
The river also serves as a platform for several water-sport activities, most notably hydrofoiling, wakeboarding, paddling, and tubing. All of these activities draw in people from far and wide, especially during the hot summer months. The Mississippi also offers plenty of opportunities for camping in nearby national parks, supplying an outdoor experience that is unforgettable.
Conservation Efforts
In recent years, conservationists have focused much of their attention on the Mississippi River, as they strive to preserve its beauty and natural resources. The river is home to many endangered species, ranging from bald eagles to piping plovers, and protecting them is a priority.
The effort to protect the river is also driven by economics; the river serves as a major source of income for those living in the Missouri region, providing jobs and boosting economies. If the river were to become damaged by pollution or other environmental factors, it would bring dire economic consequences for many of those who depend on it.
Several state and federal agencies have dedicated their efforts to preserving the river. These include The Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for water-related infrastructure, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, which manages fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
The Mississippi River is integral to the culture and economy of Missouri, and it is paramount that its beauty and resources are kept safe and well-preserved. Only through the concerted effort of individuals and organizations can this be accomplished.
Conclusion
The geography of Missouri has been shaped throughout the years by the mighty Mississippi River. Whether Missouri is east or west of the river, the influence of the river on the region’s cultures, industries, and landscapes is undeniable. The river remains a vital source of income and recreation for the people of Missouri and its conservation is of utmost importance.
