The Mississippi River is an iconic waterway of the United States, and its course across the North American continent is just as integral a part of American history as the settlers and events that were associated with it. It has been called a “water highway” and rightly so; it flows through or marks the border of 10 states and is a major shipping route for commerce throughout the world. But is the Mississippi River actually in the Great Plains?
The answer is yes — but the exact definition of “Great Plains” can be vague. The United States Geological Society (USGS) defines the Great Plains as the large stretches of flat land between the Rocky Mountains on the west and the Appalachian Mountains on the east, from the Canadian border south to the Texas panhandle. By this definition, the Mississippi River still fits the bill as it begins in Minnesota and flows south, crossing into Missouri just north of St. Louis. In Iowa, it flows east and then shifts south again, eventually making its way through Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana before spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.
The importance of the Mississippi River to the development of the Great Plains region deeply intertwines with 19th-Century American history. It was often said that the entire land—from the Rockies to the Appalachians—was united by the Mississippi River. This seemingly magical waterway allowed traders to travel up and down and across to the Great Plains region, making it much easier for immigrants and settlers to move to and populate the region.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the Mississippi River, listed saving money, the environment, and the lives of the people living in the surrounding communities as its goals while implementing its Water Resources mission, but an unspoken part of that mission was helping to establish a new nation. Army officers, in collaboration with surveyors, engineers, and geographers, explored the Mississippi River and mapped its course across the United States. In doing so, they helped to develop the Great Plains as we now know it. Without the exploration of the Mississippi River, the American West could have been a very different place.
Aside from its role in the creation of the Great Plains region, the Mississippi River has plenty of economic and environmental significance to the area. It has a major economic impact on the Mississippi River Delta and several other regions near the river, providing crucial transportation for the many industries that rely on it for commerce. In terms of the environment, the Mississippi River is also critical, supplying billions of gallons of water to the 11 states it touches and providing a home to millions of species of plants and animals that are native to the area.
To summarize, the Mississippi River is most certainly a part of the Great Plains. Uniting the past and the present, it has played a key role in shaping the region and the country, while also providing economic, environmental, and ecological benefits. But what other lasting effects does it have on our world?
Agricultural Impact of the Mississippi River on the Great Plains
The Mississippi River has had a profound impact on agriculture in the Great Plains. Not only does it provide an accessible transport route for crops, but it also brings with it a steady supply of water. This water is especially beneficial for crops like rice and cotton, which both require large amounts of water for successful cultivation. The river itself is also home to a number of different species of fish and shellfish, which many farmers rely on for their livelihood.
The Mississippi River also provides a dependable source of hydropower for many of the states it touches. Hydropower is an environmentally friendly and reliable form of clean energy, and it has helped to power the Great Plains region for over a century. It has been a key part of the electrical infrastructure in 10 states, ranging from Minnesota all the way down to Louisiana. The river also provides much-needed water for drinking, bathing, and recreation, ensuring that everyone living in the Great Plains has access to clean and safe water.
The river has also had an outsized impact on the Mississippi Delta, which is one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions in the world. The rich soils of the Delta, coupled with the fertile waters of the Mississippi River, make it ideal for producing a wide range of crops, from corn and soybeans to cotton, rice, and sorghum. The river also supports local wildlife and provides habitats for species like the American alligator, which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.
In addition to being vital to the livelihoods of the people living in the region, the Mississippi River has also brought a sense of community and pride. It is beloved by its inhabitants as an irreplaceable part of the landscape, as well as a vital asset to their livelihoods.
Environmental Repercussions of the River
As important as the Mississippi River is for providing economic, environmental, and ecological benefit to the Great Plains region, it is far from perfect. The river has suffered from significant pollution, due in large part to agricultural runoff from farms located near the river. Fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals have caused significant amounts of algae and weed growth, resulting in poor water quality.
The Mississippi River also faces the threat of leveeing, which is the construction of flood protection walls to prevent flooding. This has caused erosion and wildlife habitat loss, as well as a loss of vital nutrients that many species of animals and plants rely on. Additionally, the overharvesting of fish and shellfish has resulted in the depletion of many once-thriving populations of species in the river.
The Mississippi River is also home to numerous invasive species, many of which have impacted the local environment and its inhabitants. Invasive species like Asian Carp, Zebra Mussels, and Green Sunfish have caused disruptions in the balance of the river’s ecosystem, resulting in a loss of native biodiversity.
Finally, global warming and the increasing temperatures of waterways is an additional environmental threat. Increasing temperatures can increase the rate at which pollutants and oxygen-depleting chemicals dissolve into the water, leading to an imbalance in water chemistry. This can have serious repercussions for local wildlife, as well as for humans who use the water for drinking, fishing, and other activities.
Preservation Efforts
Fortunately, there are many preservation efforts underway to keep the Mississippi River healthy for years to come. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works to reduce flooding, control pollution, and restore vital wetlands. Many non-profit organizations and government agencies are also working to protect the river and its inhabitants, including The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Louisiana, and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance.
In addition to these preservation efforts, the public can also help by taking part in local events such as river clean-up days or river walks. Educational programs and citizen science initiatives can also aid in the understanding and management of the river. By taking part in these efforts, citizens can ensure that the Mississippi River will remain a part of the Great Plains landscape for years to come.
Impact on the Local Economy
The Mississippi River not only helps to shape the region’s ecology and environment, but it also has a major impact on the local economy. The river provides transportation for many industries, including the timber industry, the oil industry, and the shipping industry. It is also home to numerous ports and harbors, providing employment for thousands of people. The river also facilitates commerce between the Great Plains and its neighboring states, generating revenue for the region.
The Mississippi River also helps to attract tourists to the area, which helps to support local businesses and encourage development. Boating and fishing are popular activities near the river, and a number of parks are located nearby, providing recreational areas for the public to enjoy.
Finally, the Mississippi River provides a unique cultural identity to the region. Its history, music, and people all contribute to a unique and lasting culture that will last for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is an integral part of the Great Plains. It has shaped the region historically, economically, and environmentally, and it is a source of pride and identity for the people who live in the area. Its many benefits are undeniable, and its preservation should be of utmost importance. By raising awareness of its importance and taking part in preservation efforts, citizens can help ensure that the Mississippi River remains a part of the Great Plains landscape for years to come.
