History and Geography of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the major rivers in the United States, covering a total of 2,203 miles, and is the fourth-longest river in the world. Originating in Lake Itasca in Minnesota, it flows southward across the Midwest and then southward through the state of Louisiana and into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River watershed encompasses all or parts of 31 US states, three of the five Great Lakes, and the watershed of the Missouri River. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Waters.’ At one time, it was the most important waterway in the United States and invented in 1804, the first important bridge across it being the famous Chain Bridge. It holds a great deal of history, with Native Americans inhabiting the land before it was colonized, to it becoming an important shipping route, to now being a tourist destination.
Fun Facts
The Mississippi is the most heavily traveled river system in the United States. In terms of volume, it is the third-largest river in the world, carrying an average of 197 million gallons of water per second. It has been the inspiration for countless books and films, including Mark Twain’s classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It is home to over 600 species of fish, which is more than any other river in North America. There is an average of 10 barge convoys per day on the river. One of the most interesting fun facts about the Mississippi River is that it is bending to its own will. Over time, the Mississippi has been slowly shifting its path eastward, and soon the Mississippi Delta area may be an entirely different landscape.
Environmental Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has many benefits to the environment, as it serves as a vital tool to clean and transport water. Its waters are constantly being replenished and cleansed, with silt and sediment carried downstream to create new areas of land or prevent flooding. Its deep waters absorb heat from the sun, regulating air temperature in the winter, while its heavy vegetation and large biodiversity help to filter pollutants, provide food and shelter to wildlife, and help to keep the climate stable in the area. The river also provides transportation for goods and services, reducing the reliance on land-based transportation such as trucks, trains, and cars. Furthermore, it is an important source for hydroelectric power, providing an alternative energy source for many local communities.
Unique Features of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to a dizzying array of wildlife and fascinating geographical features, such as the Great River Road and the Mississippi Delta. The Great River Road runs for 3,000 miles along the river’s banks, connecting the sights and sounds of the river together from Illinois to Louisiana. This route is a National Scenic Byway, home to a range of stops, from quaint towns and vibrant cities to stunning landscapes and parks. There is also the Mississippi Delta, the lower region of the river that is formed by deposits of sediment from the river. The Delta provides an abundance of fish and unique landscapes, often described as the “Wild Kingdom of the Mississippi”.
Preservation Efforts
The United States has been working to protect and restore the Mississippi River and its surrounding ecosystems since the early 1800s, when Congress passed the Rivers and Harbor Acts of 1824 and 1844. Since then, efforts have been made to promote restoration projects, such as wetland restoration, efforts to reduce pollutant loads in the river, and non-point source pollution control. The US government, along with environmental organizations and local communities, have all been working together to ensure the continued health and preservation of the Mississippi River.
Popular Attractions
The Mississippi River is a popular tourist destination, with major attractions including the famous Chain Bridge, numerous historical sites and museums, and numerous parks and outdoor activities. For example, the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, located near the mouth of the river, is a beautiful countryside where visitors can go bird watching and hiking. The Delta National Forest, located in the Mississippi Delta region, is home to a wide range of wildlife and is a popular spot for camping, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, the five-state Mississippi River Parkway Commission offers a 1,200-mile journey featuring numerous public and private parks, forests, and nature preserves along the way.
Environmental Impacts of the River
Despite its many benefits to the environment, the Mississippi River has also had a significant environmental impact. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the river carries an average of 5 million tons of pollutants into the Gulf of Mexico each year. Pollutants such as fertilizer runoff and industrial waste have created a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, an area where the oxygen levels in the water are so low that animals cannot survive. Additionally, population growth and increased development along the river have also led to destruction of wetlands and a decrease in the amount of natural habitats available.
Human Development along the River
The ever-growing population along the Mississippi River has caused a number of issues, including increased development and pollution of the waterway. The expansion of cities, industrial sites, and agricultural operations has caused a decrease in water quality and fish and wildlife populations, leading to ecological destruction. Furthermore, the construction of large dams has caused significant shoreline erosion, destruction of fish habitats, and changes to water flow patterns, leading to the disruption of the natural flow of the river.
What is Being Done to Improve the Mississippi?
Large-scale conservation and restoration efforts are being undertaken to protect the health of the Mississippi River. Authorities are changing agricultural practices to reduce fertilizer runoff, implementing water quality standards, encouraging green space and buffer zones near the river, and restoring wetlands along the banks of the river. Additionally, plans are in place to control industrial and agricultural pollution, as well as funding for various restoration projects, aimed at rejuvenating the river system and its surrounding habitats.
Future of the Mississippi
With the growing population of the Mississippi River region, there is a need for increased efforts to reduce pollution and protect the river’s habitats and ecosystems. The US government and various environmental organizations are working together to protect the river, reduce pollutant loads, and increase public awareness of the need to protect the river’s health. With continued efforts to restore, protect, and preserve the Mississippi River, it has the potential to remain healthy and vibrant for many years to come.
