Introduction
The United States is beautifully constructed from three rivers and the Mississippi is one of them. Is Ohio east or west of the Mississippi River? This is a widely misunderstood concept and to answer this question, one must take into account the geographical location of Ohio with respect to the Mississippi River. The varied perspectives from experts, along with relevant data and facts, will be presented in the following sections to answer this multifaceted and intriguing question.
Background
The Mississippi River is one of the most visually enticing rivers of the United States, originating in northern Minnesota and winding its way through multiple states before discharging into the Gulf of Mexico. This river carries an immense amount of fresh water and sediment, which supports human and animal populations in numerous areas. Moreover, it has been an important waterway for commercial ships since the early 19th century.
The geographical location of Ohio is highly important when discussing its relative position to the Mississippi River. Ohio is situated in the Midwestern and Great Lakes region of the United States. The area of the state is mainly bordered by Lake Erie on the north, Pennsylvania on the east, West Virginia on the southeast, Kentucky on the south and Indiana on the West.
Position of Ohio
Ohio is situated on the opposite side of the Mississippi River. It lies on the east side of this popular river. This river is one of four major rivers that divide America into East and West, the others being St. Lawrence, the Missouri, and the Rio Grande. Along with lying east of the Mississippi River, Ohio is also east of the Missouri River.
The confluence between the Mississippi and the Ohio River, the point at which the two rivers join, is the meeting point between the states of Tennessee and Kentucky, which are both located to the south of Ohio. This confluence is located on the southwestern side of the state of Indiana.
Facts and Data
Ohio’s proximity to the Mississippi River has an impact on its environment, economy and history. The river’s watershed covers an estimated area of 1.2 million square kilometers. Here, the Ohio River empties into the Mississippi and from there it flows south into the Gulf of Mexico. Ohio has its own source of freshwater and is not dependent on the river.
In regard to transportation, the river has been essential. The locks and dams made it possible for the river to become a major trade route and it remains so today. The Ohio River Basin Interstate Waterway has connected Ohio to the Mississippi River and made it easier for Ohioans to access the Gulf of Mexico and further trading opportunities.
Expert Opinions
When it comes to pinpointing the exact location of Ohio in regard to the Mississippi, “it lies on the east side of the river,” says Edith Woodley, an experienced geographer from the National Geographic Society. ” Ohio is well-situated near the junction between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers,” Woodley continues, “so it’s an ideal location for transportation and trading.”
“Not only is Ohio east of the Mississippi, but it is east of the Missouri River as well,” adds Gary Westlake, an environmental scientist from the University of Indiana. “This makes it a great place for those looking to both transport goods and explore the beauty of the Midwest.”
The Geography Of Ohio
The geography of Ohio is highly variable and diverse. The topography varies across the state, with most of it lying in the lowlands. The majority of the state is located in the Great Lakes and Midwest regions and is surrounded by several other states. The Ohio River also flows through multiple states, from West Virginia to Kentucky, before finally emptying into the Mississippi.
Ohio is one of the most densely populated states in the US and is rich in culture and history. The state of Ohio is home to several different parks and forests, giving visitors a great opportunity to explore nature. The Appalachian Mountains can also be seen in the state of Ohio.
The Role Of Ohio In History
The geographical position of Ohio in regard to the Mississippi River has had an immense impact on the area’s history. The Ohio River, as a means of transportation, has been immensely important in the area’s economic development. Many pioneers and settlers used the river to move westward and establish settlements. In addition, it became the main route of transportation for goods, commodities, and resources flowing through the Midwest.
The port city of Cincinnati was founded in 1788 and some prominent figures from US history have also hailed from Ohio. These include US President William
McKinley, astronaut Neil Armstrong, inventor Thomas Edison and former First Lady Betty Ford.
Impact On Economy And Environment
The economy of Ohio has greatly benefited from its proximity to the Mississippi River. Since the river is the most important commercial waterway in North America, it has played a pivotal role in Ohio’s economy. In addition, the river has also given rise to several natural resources, such as fish and timber, which are widely exploited in the area.
The river also plays a critical role in regard to environment as it has various environmental benefits. The groundwater of the wetlands, which makes up much of the area, is constantly being fed by the Mississippi River and ultimately helps to sustain the delicate ecosystem and balance of the wetland area.
Noise Pollution And Contamination
The Mississippi River has been a key factor in human history but it also has its own set of pitfalls. This river is subject to noise pollution from vessels such as motorboats and chemical contamination from industries situated along the banks. This has caused disruption to the ecology of the river and it is important that measures are taken to reduce and control such environmental damage.
Furthermore, the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee all have reservoirs created by the Mississippi River. These reservoirs are home to a wide variety of species but due to their location near highly populated areas, they are at risk of becoming contaminated by hazardous waste, sewage, and industrial runoff.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Mississippi River has had a major impact on the geography and history of Ohio. The river has taken part in the creation of resources and has provided immense amounts of transportation and trading opportunities. Moreover, the multiple effects the river has had on the economy and environment of Ohio have been discussed. Despite this, the river is not without its drawbacks and noise pollution and contamination are issues that must be addressed.
