Its Amazing Size and Length
The Mississippi River is one of the most impressive waterways in the world. It is estimated to measure over 2,300 miles long, crossing the United States of America from north to south, and is the fourth-longest river in the world. This amazing river flows through 10 different US states, and is fed by numerous tributaries, streams, and rivers.
Not only is the length of the river impressive, but there are also fascinating facts relating to its size, too. The river covers an impressive 41,500 square miles, and it is estimated to have an average depth of 140 feet and a maximum depth of around 200 feet.
Changing Course Throughout History
Although the Mississippi River may seem to have stayed in the same place for as long as people can remember, the route of the river has changed over the years. As the geography of the land has shifted due to erosion and flooding, the river has moved around too. Scientists believe that the Mississippi once taxed a completely different route than it does today, and when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico it no longer travels in a straight line.
Unbelievable Flooding Events
The flooding of the Mississippi River is renowned, and over the centuries, some incredible events have taken place. For example, back in 1927, the river flooded an astonishing 16 million acres of land, leading to an estimated $250 million of financial damage at the time. In 2011, flood waters also topped the St. Louis levee, after an unprecedented 27.1 million acre-feet of water was released from upstream reservoirs.
There have been efforts to try and combat the flooding in recent years, and the building of levees, which hold the water in and stop it from spreading, has been prevalent throughout the river’s route.
Cruising the Mighty Mississippi
The Mississippi River and its tributaries offer many opportunities for travelers who want to explore the birthplace of America. There are numerous options for those embarking on a Mississippi River cruise, with dedicated routes along the length of the river.
Some of these cruises provide luxurious accommodations and the best of living standards, although there are also more modest and casual cruises available. No matter which one you choose, it’s certainly an unforgettable way to explore the Mississippi River and its attractions.
American Agriculture
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways of the United States of America, and it has a big impact on the nation’s agriculture. Thanks to the river, numerous areas have become highly productive agricultural districts, and the region around the river is heavily relied upon by US farmers.
In fact, a staggering 400 million bushels of grain are transported along the river each year, mostly from the Midwest to ports along the Gulf of Mexico. On an even larger scale, the Mississippi River also helps to distribute fertilizer, seeds, and plant food to other streams, rivers, and rivers, sustaining hundreds of millions of dollars worth of agriculture each year.
Unique Wildlife
The wildlife that inhabits the Mississippi River is impressive and unique, and you can spot creatures such as alligators, black bears, sturgeons and salmon, mink, and even otters. The river also provides a home for many different species of birds, and the vibrant waters offer a perfect habitat for a wide variety of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Interestingly, the banks of the Mississippi River are home to southern bald eagles, who migrate down from the US to the warmer climates of Latin American each winter. This has been an increasing trend over the past few years, and it is an impressive spectacle to witness.
Mighty, Historical Bridges of Mississippi River
Crossing the Mississippi River can be an impressive experience, and there are many historical crossings that you can discover. From the huge bridge in the Twin Cities to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, there are many stunning structures to admire and explore.
The Memphian-Arkansas Bridge is another one of the famous crossings of the Mississippi River. It was built as a toll bridge in 1949, and soon became the only toll-free crossing of the Mississippi.
Preserving and Conserving the Mississippi River Valley
The Mississippi River Valley is an incredibly important ecological area, and there are many efforts underway to conserve the local wildlife and promote sustainability in the region.
For example, projects such as the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee provide grants for those working to protect and preserve the Mississippi River for future generations. These initiatives are helping to ensure that the area remains pristine and well-protected.
The Impact of Mississippi River on U.S. Economy
The Mississippi River has impacted the economy of the United States of America in many different ways. Not only does it provide a convenient route for the transportation of resources, but the local industry that it has instigated also plays a huge role.
In terms of finances, the river supports roughly 400,000 jobs each year and helps to generate around $400 billion in output. It also serves as an important export route for numerous businesses and helps to provide a trade link with numerous other countries.
The River and Waterways Conservation
The conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is an incredibly important cause, and efforts are being made to preserve the health of the area’s waterways. There are numerous projects designed to tackle issues such as water pollution and the displacement of local wildlife, and the construction of dams, weirs, and levees is also helping to control erosion and flooding.
In addition, there are also educational efforts being made in order to teach people the importance of preserving the Mississippi River. New technologies and scientific approaches are being used to find more sustainable solutions for this important landscape.
Experience for Adventurous Nature Lovers
If you’re an adventurous nature lover, then the Mississippi River is the perfect place for you. From river rafting and canoeing to wildlife watching and exploring the banks, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
You can even take a more leisurely route and explore the Mississippi aboard a paddleboat – an iconic American experience. Whichever way you choose to travel, you can be sure that you’ll be greeted with some spectacular sights and the chance to meet some fascinating wildlife.
The Legends, Culture and Music of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River plays a part in many American legends and is celebrated in popular culture in many different ways. From books and songs to popular films, the river has found its way into many people’s hearts and minds. Songs such as ‘Ol Man River’ are some of the most iconic of all time and have been performed by renowned singers such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
The Mississippi River is also a huge part of the culture of the states it passes through, and many towns and cities will celebrate it in their own unique way. Every year, some towns will host festivals and events to honour the river and its heritage.
Surprising Facts about Mississippi River
It’s not just the size and length of the Mississippi River that makes it a true marvel – there are some interesting facts about the river too. For example, did you know that the Mississippi River valley is home to one of the largest aquifers in the world? This aquifer is made up of underground water deposits that have been formed over thousands of years and is believed to contain an impressive 70 trillion gallons of water.
In terms of its size and speed, the Mississippi River is no slouch either. At its widest point, the river is estimated to measure 11 miles, and the highest recorded speed of the river was 12 miles per hour. This was recorded at Minneapolis in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1965.
The Incredible Rich The Mississippi River Brings to the World
The Mississippi River has brought many rich bounties to the world, and that includes some incredible experiences. People from all over the world come to appreciate the beauty of the river and the stunning natural landscape that stretches all along its route.
In addition, numerous businesses and industries benefit from the river, from restaurants, hotels, and sight-seeing boats to merchants up and down the banks. The Mississippi River is more than just an impressive body of water – it’s an important contributor to the world of commerce too.
The Dark Chapter of History and River Trading
For many, the Mississippi River evokes images of a magical, romantic age and of pioneers travelling along the banks. But unfortunately, this legacy isn’t all positive.
River trading, which saw goods being shipped up and down the river, helped to expand the US economy, but it also played a role in the nation’s slave trade. Many slaves were taken from Africa and were sold on the banks of the Mississippi, leaving an upsetting stain on the history of the river and the nation.
Threats and Challenges to Mississippi
The Mississippi River is facing a number of challenges and threats in the modern age. From climate change to population growth and the chance of major flooding events, the river is being threatened on a number of fronts.
In recent years, increasing water pollution has also been a concern, and continuous efforts must be made to try and protect the local ecosystem. There have been positive steps taken in this regard, with pollution reduction initiatives put in place to safeguard the health of the river.
An Iconic Symbol of the United States of America
The Mississippi River is a much-loved icon of the United States of America and has been an important part of the nation’s heritage. This impressive river winds its way across the country from north to south, providing an impressive backdrop to the lives of millions of people, as well as an unparalleled source of opportunity.
For many, the Mississippi River is still a symbol of hope, freedom and opportunity, and its future looks bright.
