Introduction
The debate over whether the Missouri River is east or west of the Mississippi River has spanned centuries. While there are some clear geographic truths that determine the answer, people have been deep in debates of the matter since the early 1800s. As our understanding of geography has increased, the Missouri River’s position in relationship to the Mississippi River has become somewhat blurred. This article will look to give insight on the debate, provide relevant data and perspectives from experts, and analyze the two rivers’ locations in relation to one another.
Location Overview
The Mississippi River is a major river in the United States with a total length of approximately 2,340 miles. It flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. The Missouri River, on the other hand, is the longest river in the United States with a total length of around 2,340 miles. It begins at Montana and terminates in Missouri. If you look at a map of the US, you will find that the Missouri River flows immediately to the right of the Mississippi River (north-northwest). Consequently, the Missouri River is considered to be east of the Mississippi River.
Historical Perspective
The debate over whether the Missouri River is east or west of the Mississippi River has existed since the 1800s. At the time, maps of the United States did not include the Missouri River, which meant that it was the opinion of the individual map makers that determined the side of the Mississippi River on which the Missouri River lay. This debate came to a head when supporters of the Union during the Civil War argued that the Missouri River was east of the Mississippi River and that it should be used as the boundary between the Union and the Confederacy. This resulted in the 1854 Missouri-Nebraska Compromise, which declared the Missouri River as the boundary between these two territories. Since then, the Missouri River has been considered to be east of the Mississippi River.
Geographical Factors
Geographically speaking, the Missouri River is east of the Mississippi River. As mentioned above, the Missouri River flows directly north of the Mississippi River and terminates at Missouri, while the Mississippi River terminates at Louisiana. Consequently, the state of Missouri is, technically, east of the Mississippi River by physical standards.
Analysis
So, is the Missouri River east of the Mississippi River? The answer is yes, according to geographic and historical standards. Geographically, the Missouri River lies to the east of the Mississippi River, as it flows immediately to the right (north-northwest) of the Mississippi River. Historically, the two rivers have been separated by an artificially-created boundary, with the Missouri River forming the east-most border. While this argument has been debated for centuries, it is clear that the Missouri River is east of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact of the Two Rivers
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers have had a significant impact on the environment in the US. The Mississippi River plays a key role in the physical geography of the US, as it is a major water source for irrigation and provides habitat for over 200 species. Likewise, the Missouri River contributes to the natural ecosystem, providing a critical water supply for many Midwestern states. As such, the two rivers serve a major purpose in the US, and their effects on the environment should be taken into consideration when examining whether the Missouri River is east or west of the Mississippi River.
Economic Impact of the Two Rivers
The impact of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on the US economy is immense. The Mississippi River is a major economic hub in the US, as it provides resources for the energy, agricultural, and shipping industries. The Missouri River, on the other hand, is a major source of water for many Midwestern states, which is essential for agricultural production. Additionally, the Missouri River is a major source of hydroelectricity, which is a cost-effective form of renewable energy. Together, these two rivers provide a major economic boost to the US, further strengthening the argument that the Missouri River is east of the Mississippi River.
Political Implications
The political implications of determining the east-west location of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are far-reaching. Historically, the two rivers were the basis of the Missouri-Nebraska Compromise, which was a major victory for the Union during the Civil War. Furthermore, determining the Missouri River’s east-west location also has implications on state boundaries, as the Missouri River is used to define the borders of several states. Thus, it is important to understand the political implications of declaring the Missouri River as east of the Mississippi River.
Scientific Evidence
The scientific evidence of the Missouri River’s east-west location is quite compelling. According to scientists, the Missouri River is east of the Mississippi River due to its orientation relative to the Mississippi River. Moreover, studies have shown that the Missouri River serves as a drainage divide, with the waters of the Missouri River flowing east and the waters of the Mississippi River flowing west. Therefore, the scientific evidence suggests that the Missouri River is indeed east of the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
At one point in time, the east-west location of the Missouri River was contested, with the opinion of individual map makers determining the answer. However, it is clear that the Missouri River is east of the Mississippi River according to geographic and historical standards. In addition, the two rivers have had a massive impact on the environment and economy, as well as implications on political boundaries. Finally, the scientific evidence is also conclusive in determining the Missouri River’s east-west location. Therefore, it is concluded after careful analysis that the Missouri River is indeed east of the Mississippi River.
