Background information
The Mississippi River is one of the most important water systems in North America. It is the second longest river in the United States, trailing only the Missouri River in length. The river runs from Minnesota in the north to the Gulf of Mexico on the southern end of the continent. Along its estimated 2400-mile journey, it flows through ten American states, acting as a crucial source of navigation and trade. As such, five of the states that the Mississippi runs through are said to ‘border’ the river.
Minnesota
Minnesota is the most northerly of these states. It is perhaps most famous for being the land of 12,000 lakes, so it stands to reason that the Mississippi River plays a large part in the state’s economy. In fact, the state contains several stretches of the river, ranging along Minnesota’s western border. The river is a major part of the state’s transport network; it is used for navigation, fishing, trade and recreational activities.
Wisconsin
Running down from Minnesota to the south is Wisconsin, which acts as the second border State of the Mississippi. Wisconsin provides a large portion of the Mississippi River, stretching from the city of La Crosse to the southernmost point in the state. This stretch of the Mississippi is used for a variety of activities, from shipping trade to powering the local Wisconsin-based power plants. Additionally, the Wisconsin segment of the Mississippi is home to a number of endangered species, providing an important location for the conservation of such animals.
Illinois
Continuing the path of the river to the south, the state of Illinois is the third bordering state of the Mississippi River. The urban cities of St. Louis and East St. Louis both fall within this segment of the river, with the latter city providing significant investments into the port infrastructure of the river. Additionally, this stretch of the river is used for ferrying goods and passengers, with the Illinois cities of Beardstown and Kosco providing trade hotspots for goods and merchandise.
Missouri
Below Illinois is the state of Missouri, which is home to the ‘Gateway Arch’. This iconic structure sits on the western side of the Mississippi, providing an incredible welcome to the city of St. Louis. This stretch of the river is a vital part of the transportation networks of the state, with many ferries and barges utilizing the Mississippi’s length and depth to transport freight and people between Missouri’s cities and allies.
Arkansas
The final border state of the Mississippi River is the state of Arkansas. This segment of the Mississippi River is a major focus for agricultural production, as the waters of the river provide much-needed nutrients to the local crops and trees. Additionally, the floodplains of the river act as important habitats for many of the state’s migratory birds and aquatic animals.
Analysis
The Mississippi River is of immense importance for the five states it runs through. It provides vital transportation links, powering many of the cities’ industrial and manufacturing output. It provides nutrition for the crops grown on its floodplains, as well as habitats and homes to the state’s aquatic species. Additionally, it is a major part of the local economies, providing employment, leisure and recreational activities.
Significance
The importance of the Mississippi River as a border state of these five states cannot be overstated. Each state has formed their own unique environment around the waters of the river, with different economic and cultural activities taking place. Its presence has shaped the states and shaped the lives of many of the people living within them.
Human Impact
Over time, the presence of the Mississippi River in these five states has caused environmental damage. Pollution from power plants and navigation has upset the balance of the ecosystem, as well as the aesthetic qualities of the river. Fortunately, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency have implemented regulations to help preserve the health of the river for future generations.
Politics
The policies surrounding the Mississippi River are mostly matters of jurisdiction, with the various states all being responsible for managing different parts of the river. This includes levying taxes, regulating use, and providing aid in the times of floods or other financial and life-disrupting events. Additionally, the five states have formed bonds and agreements of cooperation to help manage the river in a safe and responsible manner.
Economy
The economy of the Mississippi River and its five bordering states has always been closely entwined, with the river providing a significant portion of the states’ GDP. This is from trade, tourism and the use of the river’s resources (e.g. for fishing and transportation). Additionally, the Mississippi provides a number of employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, for citizens of the states.
Recreation
The Mississippi River provides an opportunity for pleasure and leisure activities for citizens of the five states it passes through. This includes the large number of riverside parks and campsites, as well as the incredible views and the presence of small-time riverboats and ferries. Although, as with any body of water, recreational activities are often subject to careful regulation to ensure the safety of those involved.
Conservation
The five states bordering the Mississippi River have all taken measures to ensure the preservation of the river and its environment. The presence of the Endangered Species Act 1992, as well as the Water Pollution Control Act, has been instrumental in the aims of protecting the health and the resources of the Mississippi for future generations. Additionally, several conservation groups, particularly those based around fish habitats, have helped increase awareness of the issue, allowing for better management of the river’s conservation.
