The Mississippi River and the Missouri River are two of the most iconic river systems in the United States and the world. Both rivers have immense cultural, social and economic significance for the nation, but what most people don’t realize is that the Mississippi River is actually longer than the Missouri River. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two rivers, the impact they have had on the country and the various ways in which their length is measured.
As of today, the Mississippi River is 2,339 miles long and flows through 10 different states, from Minnesota in the north, to Louisiana in the south. The Missouri River, on the other hand, is 2,341 miles long and, while it also flows through 10 states, they are mostly in the western part of the country. It begins in Montana, flows east through North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and finally ends in the Mississippi River in St. Louis.
The Mississippi River’s impact on the US is immense. It has been a key factor in the settlement of the continent by Europeans, which started the process of US nation-building. It has also been a crucial source of water for agriculture and industry, and various species of flora and fauna make their homes in and along its banks. While the Missouri River is also of immense economic importance to the nation, it has had a more localized impact on development and settlement.
The length of both rivers is measured differently. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses a process called “river miles” to measure the length of the river from its source to mouth. In this process, the river miles are measured from the most upstream point to the most downstream. For the Mississippi River, this is Lake Itasca in Minnesota, while for the Missouri River it is Three Forks in Montana. Using this method, the Mississippi River is officially 2,339 miles long.
The great length of the Mississippi River is also due to the fact that it has numerous tributaries that join its main channel. The greatest of these is the Missouri River, which adds 2,341 miles to the length of the Mississippi River. In fact, over 52% of the total length of the Mississippi River is contributed by the Missouri River.
Overall, the Mississippi River is longer than the Missouri River, and its importance in the settlement and economic development of the country has been immense. As both rivers are home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, and are vital to the health of the environment, more effort should be put into their conservation.
Impact on Environment
The massive size of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers has a huge impact on the environment in which they exist. For instance, it is estimated that the natural sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous that the rivers carry have extremely positive affects on bacteria and algae, which in turn show a significant enhancement in primary production. Rich biodiversity and lifeforms are seen to exist and thrive in and around both rivers due to the presence of all these sediments.
Furthermore, the many tributaries of both rivers add to the richness of their waters. This ensures that the rivers’ habitats are much more diverse than other bodies of water, as more organisms are carried down to the main course. As a result of this, areas around the rivers remain hospitable for much longer periods of time, sustaining a greater number of fish, wildlife and aquatic plants.
The rivers’ function as pathways for migrating species are also of great importance, allowing them to continue their lifecycle by transporting them to different areas. For example, the endangered piping plover rely on the Missouri River and its tributaries to migrate between the northern and southern parts of their range. Additionally, many species of fish also use the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers as part of their migration route.
The rivers’ other incredible environmental service is their ability to act as a buffer against flooding. Heavy rain and snowmelt in the mountains can overflow, but the rivers serve to flood naturally, and slow the rate of runoff, which prevents the overflow of water downstream. This is of huge importance to those that live in nearby areas.
Civil Engineering & Development
The rivers’ immense size and continued importance to the nation have led to many large-scale civil engineering projects in their regards. The Mississippi River Commission, was formed in 1879, to strategically monitor operations and provide research and development in protecting the levees, tributaries and infrastructure in and around the rivers. As part of its mission, the commission has facilitated the construction of multiple different projects, including dams, bridges, levees, reservoirs and canals.
These engineering projects in the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers were critical in the past centuries to improve navigation, encourage the population’s flexibility and provide safe transport of goods and services. Furthermore, the Missouri River system is composed of six large reservoirs, which are used to regulate the flow of the river and support hydroelectricity generation. It should also be noted that the primary source of irrigation in the Midwest section of the US is the combined supply of both rivers.
Perhaps the most famous and impressive engineering achievement in this area was in 1945 with the completion of the St. Louis Flood Control Project. The project involved the diversion of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, which resulted in the creation of a massive levee system that protected the city from the danger of flooding.
In recent years, the focus has shifted towards sustainability and ecological consequences of large-scale engineering projects in both rivers. As a result, the monitoring of various ecosystems has become standard practice, and reputable studies are conducted to ensure minimal impact on the areas surrounding these bodies of water.
Economic Impact
As mentioned earlier, the Mississippi River and the Missouri River are two of the most important sources of water for human activity. In fact, between them the two rivers provide water to 50 million people, making them two of the most important economic resources in the US. Both rivers provide a wide variety of services related to agricultural, industrial, recreational and environmental uses.
Agricultural production has always been one of the greatest impacts that these rivers have had on the economy. For instance, crops such as sugar, rice and cotton are grown in abundance in the Mississippi Delta – the area of land at the mouth of the river – and the area around it. Similarly, much of the land that is located in the Missouri River Basin is used for crop irrigation, with corn, wheat and soybeans being the main products.
Along with this, industry is also heavily reliant on the rivers. Power plants, factories and chemical plants all use the waterways as sources of water for their operations. Additionally, the rivers are used for transportation purposes, with river transport being a cheaper option for goods and services than rail or road. Ports located along the river are hubs of economic activity, and play key roles in boosting local economies.
Furthermore, the rivers also provide recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking and fishing, which generate much-needed revenue, as well as tourism. In the Mississippi River, migratory birds, such as ducks and geese, also bring in tourists and hunters every year.
Cultural Significance
The importance and significance of the two rivers to the culture, art and literature of the US should not be underestimated either. The Mississippi River is not just a symbol of natural beauty, but also the birthplace of numerous styles of music. Both jazz and the blues originated from New Orleans and the surrounding regions, and many popular musicians have written songs about the river.
The Missouri River is no less important in that regard either, playing an important role in Native American culture. Several stories and legends talk of the river – its importance to the locals and the animals and birds that are found around it. Additionally, writers and poets, such as Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, have immortalized the two rivers in their works.
To this day, the rivers remain important symbols for the residents of their respective regions, and are deeply intertwined with the identities of the people that live there. Despite the passing of time, their influence and contribution to the cultural heritage of the United States has been and will remain immense.
Conservation
The importance of preservation and conservation of the environment has gained much attention in recent times, and that includes the preservation of vital bodies of water like the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. In recent decades, environmental protection agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have taken significant steps to protect the rivers and their habitats.
One of the key programs undertaken to protect the rivers is the Mississippi River Basin Initiative. This program is focused on restoring and maintaining the balance between the water uses and water resources, as well as promoting local involvement in conservation efforts. Additionally, the initiative endeavors to reduce water pollution, improve habitats and protect species, as well as manage water quantity.
Along with this, multiple organizations have also been established to promote sustainable activities and public outreach along the rivers. Such groups educate people about best practices, organize river cleanups, and advocate for the improvement of water quality. Ultimately, these projects work towards one common goal – the safeguarding of the rivers for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River and the Missouri River are two of the most important rivers in the United States, providing multiple economic benefits to the nation, as well as being incredibly important culturally and historically. Despite the Missouri River being the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, the latter is officially the longest. In light of this, we should continue to work together to conserve and protect both of these rivers, so that they remain healthy and vibrant for our future generations.
