Background
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and is considered one of the great rivers of the world. Connecting the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, it is often cited as the source of exploration and settlement of the western parts of America. The Missouri-Mississippi river system, which includes the Missouri river itself, is actually called the “Father of Waters” by Native American tribes in the region and is considered the birthplace of their culture. The Missouri River is responsible for carrying an estimated 20 percent of the United States’ total river discharge. As such, the river plays an important role in the nation’s economy and culture.
Origins
The Missouri River begins in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, where it is directly fed by several tributaries before joining the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. Its headwaters are at the join of three waters in the middle of Montana: the longest tributary, the Jefferson River, at present-day Three Forks, Montana; the longest tributary, the Madison River, at the city of West Yellowstone, Montana; and the Gallatin River at the town of Bozeman, Montana. From here, the Missouri River flows southeast and eventually turns east near St. Louis, where it ultimately meets up with the Mississippi River. The Missouri River is said to be the source of the Mississippi because of the westward flow of the river.
History
The Missouri has been used as a major transportation route since the days of the native tribes of the area. The Missouri provided a vital means of transportation for explorers, pioneers and settlers going west. It was also heavily used for military transportation and commerce during the American Revolution and the American Civil War. The Missouri continued to be an important route for settlers going west and for shipping goods until the advent of railroads in the mid to late 1800’s. In addition, the Missouri has played a major role in the nation’s energy and water infrastructure, with a network of dams providing electricity, navigation and flood control.
Importance
The Missouri River is important for many reasons. It is the backbone of the world’s largest water management system, providing drinking water, irrigation, and transportation to millions of people. It is an important part of the nation’s economy, with businesses and industries reliant on it for shipping and transportation. Additionally, it provides recreation and natural beauty, with numerous parks and trails stretching along its length. The Missouri River is home to a diverse array of species, including the endangered pallid sturgeon and the threatened razorback sucker. It is also the source of many Native American cultures and traditions.
Environmental Impact
The Missouri River has seen significant environmental degradation over the years due to various human activities. Dams and levees have changed the natural course of the river, leading to decreased water flow, erosion and siltation. Pollution from industries and agricultural runoff have also had a major impact on the river, leading to the degradation of water quality. In recent years, there has been an effort to restore the river to its natural state, but this has proven to be difficult due to the large number of factors that affect the river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Missouri River is certainly the source to the Mississippi. From its origins in the Rocky Mountains to its eventual joining with the Mississippi, the Missouri plays an important role in the nation’s economy, history and culture. It is a vital part of America’s infrastructure and provides recreation and natural beauty. Unfortunately, the Missouri also has seen significant environmental degradation, leading to decreased water flow, pollution and erosion. Through conservation efforts, it’s possible to restore the Missouri to its original natural state.
