The Mississippi River is ranked by some scholars as being the fourth-longest river in the world and indisputably the longest river in North America. It also ranks second in flowing through the most states in the US with 10 or 11 depending on the source of the data. The Mighty Mississippi is fed by the Missouri River, the Ohio River and the Arkansas River and they are the three mighty tributaries that converge to form it according to geography experts. Let us take a look at each of the three tributaries that join forces in their mighty journey of forming the Mississippi River.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River as it is over twice as long as the Arkansas and three times longer than the Ohio River. It has a total length of 2,637 kilometers and flows through seven states in the United States of America, namely Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, before joining the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River experienced its highest crest in June of 2019, and it was so high that it exceeded the federal flood stage by a wide margin, prompting concern among some experts and environmental advocates who worry that the river could cause more ecological and economic damage.
The Ohio River
The Ohio River is the second longest tributary of the Mississippi River and flows through six states in the Midwestern region of the US – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – totaling 1,979 kilometers in length. This tributary is home to an abundance of fish and aquatic life, including carp, bass, catfish, panfish, shad and more. It is a vital source of drinking water and a resource for transportation and commerce throughout the region.
The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the third longest tributary of the Mississippi River. It flows through four states in the central US, including Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and, oddly enough, Colorado, which is farther west than any other point along the river’s course. It is 2,285 kilometers long and rises in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This river has a rich history of use, as Native Americans relied on it for transportation and food, and, in recent history, has been used for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, white-water rafting, and more. Unfortunately, it suffered from excessive river pollution in the late 20th century, due to three primary sources: agriculture, industry, and sewage.
Origins and Formation
Its origins date back to the end of the last Ice Age 17-18,000 years ago. Initially, the river ran slower and heavily flooded on some occasions, due to large amounts of glacial sediment being delivered to the river from melting ice caps and tributaries. As the melting of glaciers continually added to this sediment build-up, the Mississippi gradually changed its course by diverting and forming new riverbeds. In its current form, the 3 tributaries to the Mississippi join forces in what is best described as an impressive feat of engineering and geography combined.
Economic Impact
Together, the economic impact of these three rivers is immense. They provide an invaluable source of water to the numerous agricultural and industrial operations that line the banks of the rivers. In addition, they also serve as an important transit route for goods and materials to be transported to various locations around the US. Not to mention, the rivers also provide recreational opportunities for millions of Americans, who enjoy fishing, boating, and tubing throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
In recent times, awareness of the impact that human activity has had on the environment has grown significantly, with many pointing to these three rivers as major sites of pollution. As mentioned earlier, the Arkansas River is increasingly being impacted by sedimentation from upstream agricultural practices, which have left some areas of the river lifeless and devoid of aquatic life. Meanwhile, both the Ohio and Missouri rivers have suffered from water pollution due to industrial discharges, resulting in algal blooms and other dangers to the environment.
Today, the combined length of the three rivers and stretching over 2,920 kilometers makes it one of the most important navigation systems in the US. It is also one of the premier sites for large cargo ships and barges navigating the waters in search of trade. The combination of the Missouri, Ohio and Arkansas rivers also offers providing spectacular views and majestic sights along their course.
Conservation Awareness
The awareness of the great importance of preserving these river systems has only recently been acknowledged by both officials and citizens alike. In order to stem the tide of pollution, the US Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in cleaning up these waters and projects like the Dredging of the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers have been ongoing since the mid-20th century. People have also been coming forward and leading initiatives, such as cleanup days and advocacy of renewable energy, to further improve the health of these rivers.
Overall Importance
The combined might of all three rivers into the Mississippi River is a powerful force and it is impossible to underestimate its impact on the region. It is an incredible feat of nature and an invaluable source of livelihoods, food, and recreation to people, who live near its shorelines. In the years to come, it is our hope that the river’s significance continues to be appreciated and its health is preserved, not just for today but also for posterity.
Recreation and Tourism
The rivers offer seemingly endless recreational and tourism possibilities. Due to the exceptional layout of the rivers, the combination has made for some of the most desirable destinations in the country for those seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or an exhilarating adventure. There are serene hiking trails, stunning lakes and captivating wildlife such as alligators, beavers, and birds, among many others. The delta region of the Mississippi is also noted for its vast seafood and photos that attract particularly nature lovers and explorers.
Regional Cultural Influence
The presence of the rivers has also had an immense cultural impact alongside their geological and economic value. As the driving force behind much of the trade that connected the Mississippi’s distant hinterlands to each other, these rivers also opened up a cultural exchange that is truly remarkable. It was here that the southern American blues musicians acquired their fame and a number of flavors from different cultures have been assimilated into the traditional ways of the interacting populations.
Revitalization Efforts
In the last decade, many cities have developed along the rivers and are guided by the principles of sustainability. Efforts of revival and efforts of cities to regain their original natural charms have been under way for many years and the results have been promising. Urban revitalization projects along the riverbanks of the three tributaries, as well as development of biking and walking trails in rural areas, have also taken root. Concerted government and community efforts are underway to nurture and maintain this beautiful natural ecosystem.
