The debate over what city is west of the Mississippi River has gone on for years, as geography and politics combine to make a unique situation. The largest cities situated along the Mississippi River include Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis and New Orleans, with New Orleans being the only major city located west of the river. The confusion arises due to the remainder of the cities located in the Mississippi Valley. These cities are not actually on the river, but rather the Mississippi runs through them.
Riverboats were once a common sight in the city of New Orleans, which is located along the Mississippi River delta. The city experienced a sharp population growth throughout the 19th century as settlers used the river to move into the Midwest and establish new settlements. As a result of this influx, the city saw an increased number of industry and manufacturing plants being built, as well as an extensive freight railway system.
In spite of the geographical obstacles, New Orleans is the only major city located west of the Mississippi River. The city has undergone a series of economic booms and busts over the past several decades, and its overall population has declined since the early 1990s. Nonetheless, the city remains an important shipping hub and its port accounts for roughly a third of all US imports and exports. Despite its tumultuous modern history, New Orleans is known as one of the most unique cities in the US and continues to be a major tourist destination.
Today, Memphis is the second largest city on the Mississippi River, after New Orleans. Situated close to the intersection of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Memphis has had a significant presence in both the history and culture of the American South. With its iconic Graceland, Beale Street and the Mississippi Delta, the city has served as the center of the blues, jazz, and gospel music movements, and is widely considered the birthplace of rock and roll.
The nature of cities change over time, and this holds true for those located along the Mississippi River. St. Louis, for example, is known as the “Gateway to the West” as it served as a prominent gateway for early pioneers due to its location at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today, however, the city is known more for its Gateway Arch, which stands as a watchful sentry over the city and symbolizes the importance of the city for the early westward migration.
Nashville is located north of the Mississippi on the Cumberland River. The city became the center of country music after the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting in 1925. Today, Nashville remains an important center of the music industry and is increasingly becoming a hub for technological industries as well.
The study of what city is west of the Mississippi River can provide valuable insight into the history and development of the American West. From the impactful gateway of St. Louis to the exquisite music of New Orleans, the cities on and near the Mississippi River have had a tremendous influence on the culture and landscape of the region.
Development of New Orleans
Still the only major city to be situated on the western side of the Mississippi River, New Orleans was vital to the early settlement of the American Midwest in the 19th century. The influx of settlers led to the city experiencing a significant population boom as transport by riverboat was the primary means of movement at that time. In addition to its growth in population, the city underwent an increase in industry and manufacturing, as well as the development of a large freight railway system.
Today, the Atlantic Ocean contributes to the regional climate of New Orleans and its surrounding area, providing a temperate climate for the majority of the year. The humid subtropical environment in the area encourages a rich and diverse vegetation that has been compared to tropical rainforest in its complexity. Many of these plants are rare and endangered, making the city one of the most biodiverse in North America.
The Mississippi also serves an important recreational aspect for the city, being utilized for fishing and activities such as sailing. The wetlands around the river are some of the most productive areas in the country and are integral to the environmental health of the entire ecosystem. This is evidenced by the migration of tens of thousands of snow geese and other species that pass through during their seasonal migrations.
New Orleans has a long and distinguished cultural history, beginning with the city’s founding in 1718 by the French explorer Jean Lafitte. The city retains much of its early French atmosphere, with its picturesque architecture, small cafes, and cobblestone streets that transport visitors back to a different era. Furthermore, the city is well known for its unique relation food and music, a combination of French, African, Caribbean, and other cultures that make it truly distinctive.
The city of New Orleans is a vibrant and multicultural destination with a unique geographical location on the western side of the Mississippi River. Its historical and cultural importance cannot be overstated, as the city remains an iconic symbol across the US and abroad.
Development of Memphis
Memphis is situated on the eastern side of the Mississippi River, closer to the convergence of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. With its beautiful beaches and undulating landscape, Memphis was once a retreat for many of the early settlers and was established in 1819. In spite of its crucial location at the center of the Midwest, the city has seen steady growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, Memphis is one of the most heavily populated cities in the United States and is known as the “Home of Elvis Presley.” Despite the city’s growth and development in industry, it has preserved much of its original charm and historical sites, such as Beale Street and Graceland are firmly entrenched in the cityscape. During the Civil War, Beale Street served as an important corridor for Union forces and after the war, African-American music halls, churches, and eateries have made their home here.
In recent years, Memphis has seen a number of changes and investments that have been geared towards the improvement of the local infrastructure and economy. Innovation has been key for the city’s growth, with the innovative medical devices companies, St. Jude, being situated in the city. Other prominent companies, such as FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper, have all chosen Memphis as the location for their headquarters.
Memphis is well known in the US for its unique mixture of culture and music, a combination of gospel, blues, jazz and rock and roll that the city has embraced like no other. This has enabled Memphis to maintain its strong presence in the music industry and the continued presence of the iconic Beale Street has led the city to its current nickname as “Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues.”
The city of Memphis remains an important center of industry and culture in the United States and has a unique location on the eastern side of the Mississippi River. It retains many of the traditional elements that it is so well-known for and its cultural legacy continues to shape the area and its people.
Development of St. Louis
St. Louis is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and is known as the “Gateway to the West.” As a major port, St. Louis-based businesses quickly grew in prominence and the city went on to become a major gateway for cities heading westward. Its access to the waterways facilitated the growth of industries such as fur trading and aided the booming riverboat traffic that helped to connect the Midwest to the Eastern coasts.
Today, St. Louis is the second largest city in Missouri and hosts a number of large industries, including biotech and engineering research centers. The city is also a hub for medical research and healthcare. The iconic Gateway Arch has become the symbol of the city, standing as a watchful sentry for those passing through and representing the importance of St. Louis in the early pioneering days.
The city of St. Louis has a wide variety of theatres, museums, and other entertainment venues. The National Blues Museum is an excellent example, as is the City Museum, which houses a diverse collection of weird vintage artifacts and oddities. The city also has a world-famous sports culture, taking pride in its Major League Baseball team, the Cardinals.
Furthermore, St. Louis is a great city for outdoor activities and nature walks. The nearby Forest Park houses the Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, a major concert venue, and numerous bike and nature trails that provide spectacular views of the city. In addition, the city has a long tradition of cycling and the Great River Greenway provides a comprehensive bike path along the Mississippi River that extends for more than 100 miles.
St. Louis is located at the confluence of two great rivers and stands as an iconic symbol of early Westward expansion in the United States. It is a hub of industry and culture, with a plethora of outdoor activities and a proud sports culture that all contribute to the city’s vibrant character.
Development of Nashville
Nashville is located on the Cumberland River in the northern part of the state of Tennessee. Situated close to the convergence of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, the city is known as the “Athens of the South.” Nashville originated as a trading post during the early part of the 19th century and within a few decades, the city had become an important port of entry for settlers heading west.
Today, Nashville has become a music powerhouse, with the iconic Grand Ole Opry broadcasting from the city since 1925. Music remains a major part of the city’s culture, and visitors can find a wide variety of live music venues, ranging from classical to jazz, folk, and country. In addition, the area has become a major hub for the film and television industry, with numerous major productions having been shot in Nashville and its surrounding area.
Nashville is also well known as a major center for technological professions, with a number of tech companies having their corporate headquarters in the city. Companies such as Dell, Bridgestone and Nissan are all major employers in the area, and the city also hosts a number of small start-up companies that provide a wide range of services in the tech sector.
The city has a wide range of attractions and activities available for visitors, ranging from the Country Music Hall of Fame, to a variety of outdoor activities and nature trails. In addition, Nashville is home to the Tennessee State Capitol, one of the oldest state capitals in the world. And of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, which is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Located on the Cumberland River on the northern edge of the state of Tennessee, Nashville is an iconic city in the US that is known for its unique music and culture. In addition, the city’s proximity to the convergence of three states makes it a great destination for outdoor activities, history, and culture.
