The Mississippi river is arguably one of the greatest natural wonders of the United States. Stretching more than 2,300 miles and draining more than 1.2 million square miles of the continent, the Mississippi is undoubtedly a marvel of the natural world.
But where does the mighty Mississippi begin? According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the official source of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasca located in north-central Minnesota. This lake, which is only a mere 1,475 acres in size, marks the start of the Mississippi River, but it was not always this way.
Before the influx of white settlers in the late 19th century, Lake Itasca was not the headwater. Instead, indigenous people had long been traveling to Ten Mile Lake in northern Minnesota, deeming it to be the source of the Mississippi River. Many of the indigenous peoples still consider Ten Mile Lake to be the Mississippi River’s source, even though it is no longer recognized as such.
The story of how the headwater of the Mississippi River shifted from Ten Mile Lake to Lake Itasca began in 1832. At the time, Henry Schoolcraft, an avid explorer and geologist, was looking for the source of the Mississippi River. Schoolcraft had heard tales of a great lake in northern Minnesota, and set out to explore the region. He and his team eventually came across Ten Mile Lake, and were certain that this was the source of the Mississippi.
At the same time, they were also exploring another nearby lake known as Lake Itasca. However, the most pressing issue was to prove their findings, and Schoolcraft had a plan. He set off to determine whether the Mississippi River truly began at Ten Mile Lakes, by launching two birch canoes at the lake and following the water upstream. After traveling 17 days and nearly 150 miles, Schoolcraft and his team came to an end at a small lake that was later named Lake Itasca. Believing that this small lake may in fact be the source of the Mississippi, Schoolcraft set off to prove it.
Schoolcraft and his team took to the lake, venturing out in a small boat and pulling up buckets of water from beneath the lake surface. Upon further analysis, the team discovered that, sure enough, the water from Lake Itasca ran north, which meant that it connected with Lake Winnibigoshish, where the waters flowed south and eventually drained into the Mississippi. Therefore it was certain, and the throne soon after belonged to Lake Itasca.
But why did Schoolcraft prioritize exploring Lake Itasca over Ten Mile Lake? According to some researchers, the lake was more accessible and conveniently located. The area had already been explored by traders and explorers, so mapping the area, gathering supplies and navigation all proved to be easier tasks. Furthermore, Ten Mile Lake was only connected to the Mississippi via a chain of long, slow-moving rivers, making Schoolcraft’s journey more time consuming and difficult.
Lake Itasca’s History
The area that is now home to Lake Itasca has been occupied by humans for over 10,000 years. Evidence of this settlement is found in the native petroglyphs and pictographs carved into the rocks near the lake. This region was also home to some of the earliest settlers in the Midwest and was a major trading hub for Native Americans and white settlers during the 19th century.
In 1891, the Lake Itasca region was established as a state park and became the first in Minnesota. The park underwent several renovations over the years and in 1971, it was declared a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. Today, Lake Itasca is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the Midwest, drawing more than half a million visitors each year.
The park also serves as an educational center and research station, conducting various studies on the lake’s ecosystem and the surrounding environment. These studies aim to ensure the conservation of the region and its resources for generations to come.
Contribution of Lake Itasca to the Mississippi
Lake Itasca is an incredibly important part of the Mississippi River. The lake’s small size may be deceptive, but its contribution to the river is immense. The lake acts as a natural reservoir, releasing just the right amount of water into the river to maintain the flow of the Mississippi.
The lake also serves as a habitat for a variety of species, such as fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These animals can be found thriving in the lake’s diverse ecosystem, which is also home to hundreds of plant species. All of this contributes to the health of the river and ultimately, the health of our environment.
Finally, Lake Itasca does not only serve as the source of the Mississippi River, but also as a source of inspiration. Each year, thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage to the area, drawn in by its beauty and power. Many of these visitors are drawn to the mystical energy of the lake, and come away feeling renewed and connected to the life source of the Mississippi.
The History of Ten Mile Lake
Ten Mile Lake is located in Cass County in north-eastern Minnesota and has been part of the local culture for centuries. Ojibwe Chippewa people have called the area home for generations and the native people consider Ten Mile Lake to be the source of the Mississippi River.
The lake has long been a favorite spot of local fishermen, and tales of its waters were also popularized in the works of Minnesota authors like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Charles Busch. The lake is also a popular tourist destination and is home to a variety of resorts and recreational activities.
The area around Ten Mile Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered piping plover and several species of fish such as the yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake sturgeon. The lake is also home to a variety of plant species, such as wild rice, water lilies, and cattails.
Environmental Impact at Ten Mile Lake
Though Ten Mile Lake no longer serves as the source of the Mississippi River, its impact on the environment is still important. Ten Mile Lake is located in an area that is part of the Mississippi River basin, so any changes to the lake can have a ripple effect on the health of the river downstream.
As with most bodies of water, the lake is vulnerable to pollution, runoff, and fertilizer runoff that can all contribute to an unhealthy ecosystem. Additionally, the lake has been threatened by development in recent years, as more people are moving to the region and putting pressure on the environment.
In order to protect the lake, local communities and organizations have come together to launch initiatives that focus on conservation and preservation. These initiatives, such as educating local communities on the importance of conservation and introducing measures to reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff from farms, have been instrumental in preserving Ten Mile Lake and its surrounding environment.
Understanding the Change
Lake Itasca may be the official source of the Mississippi River, but the story of Ten Mile Lake’s historic position as its source is a reminder that things can change—and that change can be difficult to accept. Despite its changing status, Ten Mile Lake’s impact on the environment and the people who live nearby is still important, and deserving of attention and protection.
As for the long dispute of Lake Itasca being the source of the Mississippi or Ten Mile Lake, only time and further exploration may tell. After all, the Mississippi River is constantly shifting and adapting, and one day, perhaps, Ten Mile Lake may be recognized as the source of the Mississippi once again.
