The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States and is widely celebrated in American culture, literature and history. The river forms an important part of the geography of the United States, acting as a border between many of the states. Along the Mississippi River lies some of America’s largest cities and most significant historical sites. Here we’ll explore the four largest cities located on the banks of the Mississippi: Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans.
From an economic standpoint, Minneapolis, Minnesota is the biggest player on the river. Minneapolis is the capitol of Minnesota and its largest city, and is home to one of America’s most powerful economic engines. Located on both the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, Minneapolis has an explosive economy that revolves around banking, technology, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and foodservice. In fact, many predict that the city’s already expansive economy will grow even more in the coming years.
The second largest city is St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis is a major transportation hub for the entire Midwest and is unique both for its culture and its cuisine. Though it’s famous for its southern charm and food, St. Louis is far from a sleepy river city—being home to bustling nightlife and energetic live music scenes. In addition to its rich music culture, St. Louis is also celebrated for its “Gateway to the West” role in American history and culture. It was the “starting point” for the Louisiana Purchase, and the Gateway Arch is a symbol of the city’s importance in the history of westward expansion.
Memphis, Tennessee is yet another large Mississippi city. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, Memphis is an iconic location for music and culture—perhaps most famously associated with blues music, and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Whether you want to go to a small blues club, a larger entertainment complex with live music, or a festival, Memphis has something for everyone.
The last city in the quartet is New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is the oldest major city on the Mississippi River, and it’s known as a vibrant cultural hot spot. The city has world-famous cuisine, music, and festivals, as well as a unique blend of Spanish, French, and African-American culture. New Orleans is a great place to explore all sorts of unique experiences, from jazz, to art galleries and bustling nightlife.
Minneapolis’ Inclusive Economic Boom
The economic engine of Minneapolis is an incredibly complex one and is driven by the diverse innovative industries in the region. Owing to the combination of its strategic location, quality of life, and tight-knit business community, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is one of the most attractive regions in the country for business.
The region’s economy is also remarkably diverse. Top economic industries include banking, manufacturing, technology, and foodservice, but Minneapolis also houses many smaller innovative businesses that are integral to the market. Some of the leading employers based in Minneapolis include Target, U.S. Bancorp, 3M, General Mills, Wells Fargo, and UnitedHealth Group.
Minneapolis also has a reputation for being one of the most inclusive cities in the country, which has had a positive impact on the economy in two ways. Firstly, it has meant more employees with diverse backgrounds and skills are willing to move to the region and work for the many innovative companies based in Minneapolis. And secondly, it has meant that Minneapolis is one of the best places for businesses to thrive and be profitable.
St. Louis’s Celebrated History
St. Louis’s economy is another powerhouse of the region and is sometimes referred to as the “Crossroads of America” because it sits at the intersection of three of the country’s most important highways—Interstate 70, Interstate 55, and Interstate 64. These three highways are an integral part of the city’s economy, carry millions of dollars of freight and tourist traffic through St. Louis every day.
In addition to its economic prowess, St. Louis is a major hub for culture, particularly music. As mentioned, the city is famous for its role in the history of American music, from blues and jazz to more modern genres. St. Louis has its own rich musical history with iconic venues and festivals celebrating jazz, rock, and pop music. The most famous of these is the St. Louis Blues Festival, which has been running for more than 25 years and attracted hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Apart from its music, St. Louis is also known for its famous landmarks, such as the Gateway Arch and the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is also home to some of the country’s most iconic sports teams, such as the St. Louis Rams, Blues, and Cardinals. This combination makes the city one of the most visited in the United States.
Memphis’s Exciting Music Scene
Memphis has its own unique music scene, distinct from St. Louis. Memphis’s music is most often associated with blues and even rap, but other genres like jazz, gospel, and R&B have also deep roots in the city. Music is a big part of Memphis’s economy, from the recording studios to the many nightlife venues offering live performances.
Some of the most iconic music-related attractions in Memphis include the Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the new Crosstown Concourse complex. These attractions offer visitors an understanding of the city’s musical heritage, with interactive exhibits and live performances. Additionally, Memphis is home to some iconic names in music, including Elvis Presley and BB King.
The vibrant music scene in Memphis is one of the reasons that tourism is such a big part of the city’s economy. In fact, Memphis has become one of the most visited cities in the south. In 2019, Memphis was the fifth most-visited city in the entire United States, and its music-related attractions draw in tourists from all over the world.
New Orleans – Culture and Cuisine
Few cities in the south can match the cultural and culinary vibrancy of New Orleans. The city has a unique blend of Spanish, French and African-American culture, which can be seen in its food, architecture, music, and festivals. This unique culture has made New Orleans one of the most visited cities in America.
For tourists and locals alike, the cuisine is one of the biggest draws. From alligator to gumbo, the foods of New Orleans are a source of pride for the city and have shaped it into the melting pot it is today. Additionally, the city has a bustling bar and nightlife scene, with a wide range of live music acts playing every night. This, combined with the city’s many art galleries, makes New Orleans a mecca for creativity and culture.
In addition to its culture and cuisine, New Orleans is celebrated for its unique festivals. Mardi Gras is the most famous of these, but other events include French Quarter Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Voodoo Music + Arts Experience. All of these events draw tourists from across the globe, making tourism a major driver of the city’s economy.
Impact of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River plays an integral role in the lives and economies of the cities along its banks. From Minneapolis to New Orleans, the river serves as a source of economic power, cultural identity, and environmental resources.
In Minneapolis, the Mississippi boosts the city’s economy by providing access to markets, materials and labor. St. Louis’s economy is also driven by the river, with its strategic location enabling it to serve as an important transportation hub for the entire region. And in Memphis, the river drives tourism and supports the city’s unique music scene.
New Orleans is perhaps the most impressive example of how the Mississippi shapes both the city and its culture. The river serves as a major trading route for the city and its bustling port, while also supporting its world-famous cuisine and festivals. In New Orleans, the river plays a key part in everything from employment to entertainment.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important economic and cultural resource, but it is also a fragile ecosystem. The cities along its banks have always had an impact on the river’s health, but in recent years, the effects of urbanization and globalization have taken a toll. As cities have grown and industry has moved in, pollution, litter, and other contaminants have increasingly polluted the water.
The good news is that many cities along the Mississippi River are beginning to take action to protect the river and its inhabitants. Cities such as Minneapolis, St. Louis and New Orleans have become much more conscious of the environmental effects of their urban growth, and are working to reduce their impact on the river.
Efforts such as the Clean Water Partnership in Minneapolis, the Mississippi River Citizens Advisory Council in St. Louis, and the Coast to Coast Initiative in New Orleans, are making a real difference in the fight to protect the river. These initiatives are providing education, research, and policy recommendations to help ensure the river’s long-term health and vitality.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the United States. It plays a pivotal role in the culture, economy, and environment of some of the biggest cities in the nation. From cultural centers like New Orleans to powerful economic hubs like Minneapolis, the four largest cities on the banks of the Mississippi create a unique and vibrant region that is unlike any other in the United States.
