Background Facts
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s longest and most iconic rivers, stretching from its source in Minnesota west to the Gulf of Mexico at Louisiana. It is a vital part of the culture and economy of the region, providing transportation, recreation, and sustenance for humans and wildlife alike. Along the way, the river passes through or close to many regional population centers, including some of the largest cities in the United States.
Location of Major Cities
The Mississippi River begins near the city of Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and follows a relatively straight southwesterly path as it moves south. In the states of Missouri and Illinois, it makes a bend and forms the Border between Missouri and Illinois as well as the Border between Missouri and Kentucky. The river passes through the city of Memphis, Tennessee, as well as St. Louis in Missouri, following the westernmost border of Illinois. It then passes through the city of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Minnesota
The Mississippi River begins near the city of Lake Itasca, Minnesota. This city is located at the northeast part of the state, close to the border with Canada. The river follows a southerly direction as it moves through the state, before entering the state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin
The Mississippi River passes through the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. This is a small city near the border with Minnesota, located on the west side of the river. The city of La Crosse is located just south of the point where the river bends, forming the boundary between the states of Missouri and Illinois.
Illinois
The river passes through the cities of Rock Island, Moline and Alton as it moves south through Illinois. All three of these cities are located on the westernmost edge of the state, and they are located close to the border with Missouri. The city of Alton is particularly noteworthy, as it is located at the place where the Mississippi River and the Missouri River converge.
Missouri
The city of St. Louis is located on the Mississippi River on the western edge of the state. This city is a major cultural and economic center, and it is home to the world famous Gateway Arch. The Mississippi River forms the majority of the western section of the border between Missouri and Illinois, with the majority of the river lying in Missouri.
Kentucky
The Mississippi River also forms the border between Kentucky and Missouri, with a small portion of the river lying in Kentucky. This part of the river is relatively uninteresting, as there are no major cities located in this area of the state.
Tennessee
The Mississippi River passes through the city of Memphis, Tennessee. This is not only Tennessee’s largest city, but it is also home to a number of important cultural attractions, including the Memphis blues music scene. The Mississippi River forms the majority of the state’s western border, with the majority of the river lying in Tennessee.
Louisiana
The Mississippi River enters the state of Louisiana and makes its way southward. It passes through the city of Baton Rouge before finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern tip of the state. The city of New Orleans is particularly noteworthy, as it is an important economic and cultural center, and it is home to the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Mississippi River has had a major impact on the economic and cultural development of the region. As the river is navigable, it has provided an important transportation route for goods, services, and people along its entire length. For example, the city of St. Louis was a major center of the fur trade in the 19th century, and the city was a major port of entry in the United States for immigrants arriving by ship in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Mississippi River has also been an important source of food, water, and recreation throughout its entire length. The river is heavily used for fishing, and it is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including various aquatic species and the American bald eagle.
The Mississippi River has also been an important factor in the cultural development of the region. Many of the cities located along the river, such as New Orleans, are major cultural centers. The music, cuisine, art, and architecture of the region has been heavily influenced by the river.
Environmental Risk
Despite its importance to the region, the Mississippi River is also facing a number of environmental risks. As the river is so heavily used, it is subject to a variety of environmental issues, such as pollution, sedimentation, and erosion. Additionally, the river is subject to seasonal floods, which can cause major damage to the river’s ecosystem, infrastructure, and people living nearby.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a number of dams and levees along the Mississippi to try to control flooding. These structures can be effective, but they also have their drawbacks. The dams block the river’s flow, causing sedimentation and disrupting the river’s natural habitat. Additionally, the levees can lead to increased flooding in neighbouring areas, leading to increased damage and disruption.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
A number of wildlife conservation efforts have been implemented to protect wildlife in and around the Mississippi River. The Corps of Engineers has implemented measures to reduce erosion and sedimentation in areas downstream of the dams, and they have also implemented a number of habitat restoration projects to help protect and improve the river’s ecosystems.
Additionally, a number of organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy and American Rivers, have implemented their own conservation efforts along the Mississippi. These organizations work to preserve habitats and protect endangered species, as well as to work with local communities to educate them on the importance of protecting the river and its wildlife.
Tourism and Recreation
The Mississippi River is an important part of the region’s tourism and recreation industry. Every year, thousands of people flock to the river to take part in activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and bird-watching. Additionally, the cities located along the river are major tourism destinations, with a variety of attractions ranging from museums and cultural attractions to restaurants and shopping.
The river is also an important part of the region’s economy. The river provides transportation for goods and services, and it is an important source of employment for many people in the region. Additionally, the river is an important source of food, providing sustenance for both people and wildlife.
Preservation and Conservation
The Mississippi River is an important part of the American landscape, and it is essential that we preserve and conserve it for future generations. Efforts such as those of The Nature Conservancy and American Rivers are working to protect the river’s ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them, and we must continue to support these important organizations.
It is also important to continue to support the tourism and recreation that takes place along the Mississippi. By supporting these activities, we can help ensure that the river is an important part of the region’s economy. Additionally, we need to continue to work to reduce the environmental risks that the river faces, such as pollution, sedimentation, and erosion.
Conclusion of Major Cities
The Mississippi River is an essential part of the culture and economy of the region, and it passes through or close to many major cities. These include the cities of Lake Itasca, Minnesota; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Rock Island, Moline, and Alton, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The river has had a major impact on the economic and cultural development of the region, and it is an important source of food, water, and recreation. However, the river is facing a number of environmental risks, which must be addressed in order to ensure that the river can continue to provide these important benefits. Finally, efforts must be taken to support the tourism and recreation activities that take place along the river, in order to ensure that the river remains an important asset to the region.
