Encompassing a drainage basin which comprises almost half of the United States and a variety of Canadian provinces, the Mississippi is the fourth longest river in the world, flowing from its source in Lake Itasca to its terminus at the Gulf of Mexico. The river is an important line of traffic for commercial vessels, is a vital source of drinking water for millions, and is home to an incredible array of wildlife. It is made up of several smaller river systems, or tributaries, each contributing to the magnitude and power of the mighty Mississippi.
One of the most significant tributaries of the Mississippi is the Missouri River, which begins in southwestern Montana as three different branches: Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers. The Missouri is the longest tributary of the Mississippi at approximately 2,341 miles long and represents nearly half of all the streams flowing into the Mississippi. It carries a high sediment load, which helps to maintain the river’s channels, usually resulting in quicker flood plain and delta reconstruction.
The Yellowstone River is and American tributary of the Missouri River, running nearly seven hundred miles across Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. Its upper stretches are famously adorned with the magnificent Rocky Mountains, and the lower sections hold an abundance of wildlife habitat and recreational activities. The Yellowstone provides the largest single source of water for the Missouri and is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, draining a basin that encompasses part of five National Parks, including Yellowstone and Teton National Parks in Wyoming.
The Ohio River is a tributary of the Mississippi, beginning in southwestern Pennsylvania and flowing through six other states. It is considered the most significant tributary by volume of all the Mississippi’s tributaries and is used for navigation and commercial shipping more intensely than any other river in America. It is 981 miles long and outlived the great floods of 1937 and 2011. It is one of only 21 major rivers that cross state boundaries in the United States, and it forms the only portage-free link between the East Coast and the Great Lakes.
The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi, rising in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flowing 1,450 miles through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before emptying into the Mississippi. Despite its largely rural landscape, the Arkansas is tremendously important for water and transportation, providing drinking water to over 2 million people and providing access to ports along the lower portion of the river. It also supports significant wildlife, while its “Big Sugar” section is a world-famous destination for fly fishing.
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is one of the longest tributaries in the Mississippi, stretching 652 miles from its source near the Appalachian Mountains and forming a wide basin through six states. It is an integral part of the Tennessee Valley watershed, which encompasses a vast area of the midwestern United States. It is home to many waterfowl species, as well as a healthy array of mammal and amphibian species. Much of its water is used for industry, recreation, and navigation, as the river is heavily utilized for commercial transportation, generating more than $3 billion in revenue for the region annually.
The Tombigbee River is a tributary of the Mobile River located in Alabama and Mississippi. It is bordered by the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a canal that connects the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, creating a system of backwaters used for recreation and commercial fishing. The Tombigbee provides more than 600 miles of navigable river, adapted over centuries to the needs of cotton and timber industry in the region. It is navigable for 390 miles and remains an important source of transportation in the region.
Red River
The Red River is a tributary of the Mississippi that begins in eastern New Mexico and flows 1,360 miles to the Atchafalaya River in southeastern Louisiana, where it is “lost” to the Gulf of Mexico. Its watershed encompasses a diverse landscape, crossing seven states along its course, and serving as an important source of water and transportation. The Red River is an invaluable asset to the southern and Midwestern United States, providing energy resources to many states, along with animal species that inhabit its banks.
The White River is a tributary of the Mississippi that begins in northwestern Arkansas and eventually becomes a tributary of the Arkansas River. Originating as a clear and shallow stream, the White River descends rapidly until it reaches its destination, providing vital opportunities for agriculture and recreation. In addition to its agricultural importance, the White River is home to threatened species of flies, turtles, and salamanders, making it an important part of the region’s biodiversity.
Pecos River
The Pecos River spans 1,200 miles through New Mexico and Texas, eventually emptying into the Rio Grande. Like most of the larger Mississippi tributaries, America’s Pecos River provides a direct link to the Gulf of Mexico, allowing navigation north and south as far as San Antonio, where the Pecos River meets the Rio Grande.
The river is also an important source of irrigation, providing vital water to farmers in the Southwest. Its waters have been heavily utilized to encourage growth and diversify crop production, particularly in the areas of cotton, sugar, and corn. Furthermore, the Pecos is a major participant in “fish-stocking” programs and is home to several naturally reproducing species, from bass and catfish to large-mouth buffalo.
St. Francis River
The St. Francis River is an important tributary of the Mississippi that stretches from the province of Ontario in Canada to the state of Missouri. The longest eastern tributary to the Mississippi, it feeds the swampy lowlands of the delta region before it empties into the rivers lower course. The river has played a critical role in the history of Great Lakes navigation, acting as a gateway to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico.
The St. Francis River is known for its excellent bass fishing, and it is also home to several migratory birds who use its banks as a resting place during their seasonal migrations. The river is used extensively for recreational activities, including camping and canoeing, and is beloved by its local communities who appreciate its natural beauty.
Yazoo River
The Yazoo River is an American tributary of the Mississippi, with its source located in southwest Mississippi. Covering over 350 miles, the Yazoo is one of the major tributaries of the Mississippi and is responsible for adding more water to the Delta than any other tributary. Fishermen know the Yazoo for its blue and channel catfish, and its banks are home to colorful birds like the pileated woodpecker and prothonotary warbler.
The Yazoo is also used for navigation and includes some of the widest backwaters of any of the tributaries to the Mississippi, making it a popular destination for recreational boaters. It provides habitat to a variety of wildlife species in addition to its significant human use, making it an important resource to the entire region.
