Introduction
The mighty Mississippi River’s tributaries are a fascinating part of its geographical makeup. Forming some of the most important and major waterways in the US, there are a number of rivers and streams that flow into the Mississippi River. They provide fresh water, increase trade, and act as home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant of these Mississippi tributaries.
The Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest, longest, and most powerful tributary of the Mississippi River. It originates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Following a 981-mile journey, the Ohio River meets up with the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Along its journey, the Ohio River carries water from a variety of sources, with the majority being from non-tributary sources such as rain, seasonal snowmelt, and ground water. This river also provides a critical pathway for barge traffic and commercial navigation, with over eleven million tons of coal and millions of tons of other various commodities transported by barge each year.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States and is second only to the Mississippi in terms of its tributary contributions to the latter river. The Missouri River originates in Montana and flows 2,310 miles before joining the Mississippi at St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River collects a vast array of tributaries as it moves through eight U.S. states, including the Yellowstone, Niobrara, and Platte Rivers. This river also serves as a significant transport route for barge traffic, with reports estimating that over 40 million tons of commodities are borne by the Missouri River each year. Besides barge traffic, the Missouri River also serves to irrigate farms and provide hydroelectricity.
The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the second-longest tributary of the Mississippi River, and it’s the sixth-longest river in the entire United States. The Arkansas River starts up in Colorado, and passes through Oklahoma and Arkansas, where it meets up with the Mississippi River on the eastern side of Arkansas. This river carries more water over its 945 miles than any other tributary of the Mississippi River. The Arkansas River is important not just in terms of irrigation, but also in terms of commerce and recreation. It is primarily used for the transport of oil, natural gas, and other products as well as providing employment and economic benefits to the region.
The Red River
The Red River serves as an important tributary of the Mississippi, and it cuts through the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana and Texas, as well as parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Red River offers a number of intriguing geographical characteristics, such as the Grand Erg, the largest sand dune system on the North American continent. This river is also significant to the history of the region, especially with regards to its role in the French colonial period when the river served to divide the United States from New Spain. Today, the Red River serves to bring supplies, tourists, and other river goers into the region.
The Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is the second largest tributary of the Mississippi, starting in Minnesota and ending in the junction of the two rivers in Louisiana. This river is 373 miles in length and offers multiple ecological services, including serving as habitat for wildlife, providing irrigation to area farms, and serving as a form of transportation for barges and other vessels. Approximately 7.5 million gallons of water flow through the Minnesota River every day and help to fuel the Mississippi River.
The White River
The White River is a 722-mile tributary of the Mississippi, originating in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Following a rocky, turbulent course of 760 miles, it dumps water into the Mississippi near St. Francis in Arkansas. The White River is an incredibly biodiverse river, hom to over 350 species of fish and birds. The White River is a very important tributary for nature lovers, providing fishing opportunities, outdoor recreational activities such as kayaking, and hiking trails.
The St. Francis River
The St. Francis River is a tributary of the Mississippi River and is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the United States. Passing through Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee, the St. Francis River is 230 miles in length. It is an important connection to the Mississippi and serves to aid navigation and commerce. It is also a great source of recreation, with multiple campgrounds, boat launches, and hiking trails located along its course.
The Atchafalaya River
The Atchafalaya River is one of the largest tributaries of the Mississippi River with a drainage basin that covers nearly 11 percent of Louisiana. It is formed from the Red and Mississippi Rivers close to Simmesport, Louisiana, and it is 388 miles in length before joining the Gulf of Mexico. The Atchafalaya River is known for its abundant wildlife, with more than 95 bird species, over 200 species of fish, and several species of wildlife earning it the nickname of “the jewel of the Mississippi”. It is a very important tributary as it helps to bring in fresh water to the area, and also acts to aid in local navigation and commerce.
The Yazoo River
The Yazoo River, also known as the Yazoo Valley, is a tributary of the Mississippi River located in the state of Mississippi. It originates in Yazoo County and runs for a total of 225 miles, before joining the Mississippi just south of Vicksburg. The Yazoo River is home to many species of fish and other aquatic creatures, with local fishermen taking advantage of its bounty. During floods, the Yazoo River also serves to reduce water levels in other areas as its banks help to absorb the extra water.
Conclusion
From the mighty Ohio River to the smaller tributaries like the White and Yazoo Rivers, the Mississippi River is fed by many sources. These tributaries provide a valuable service, from providing necessary water to aiding navigation and commerce. This shows just how important our rivers and tributaries of the Mississippi are both to the environment, and to our society.
