The Origin of the Mighty Mississippi
Every spring, the Mississippi River is flooded with runoff from the melting snow that sustains the countless communities along its winding length. Its mesmerizing breadth, tributaries, and centuries-old history are renowned across the world. But its story begins much nearer to home. Behind the shadow of its current majesty lies the remarkable history of its origin, going back many millions of years.
The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota, at Lake Itasca, a tiny lake that can often fit within the palm of one’s hand. Running down the center of the lake is a permanent stream, which has been declared the official source of the mighty Mississippi. Yet this tiny stream represents something much more remarkable than it appears.
What lies behind the Mississippi’s birth is millions of years of geologic evolution. In the distant past, a shallow sea, known as the Cretaceous Sea, covered much of Minnesota. Whilst this sea lasted for a few million years across the area, it eventually dried up and left a marshland of richly fertile soil beneath. This marshland would serve as the progenitor to Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River, which was formed when two branches of the ancient Cretaceous River were joined by a northern spring that served as the outlet for Lake Itasca.
These two tributaries of the modern Mississippi would be known as the ancient Illinois and Minnesota rivers, which can still be seen in their fossilized forms in the sediment below. Whilst these ancient rivers had an important role in forming the Mississippi, the great river did not become what we know today until much later. As its tributaries continued to expand, their combined waters started carving into the centralUnited States, eventually reaching its current mammoth size.
The Role Of The Glaciers
There was also a major influence of glaciationson the Mississippi River. During the last ice age, dApproximately 20, 000 years ago, a kilometer-thick glacier spread across the Midwestern United States and even reached as far as parts of Oklahoma. As it swept over the Midwest, this ice sheet dramatically altered the existing terrain of the Mississippian Basin, forcing its waters to flow through channels and ultimately carving away immense areas of land. The echoing consequences of this glacial activity can still be seen today in the form of billowing meanders, oxbow lakes, and even in the lake beds that compose Lake Itasca.
Not only did the glaciers create and shape the land around the Mississippi’s headwaters, but also they carved deep down into the Mississippi Basin itself, digging deep muddy pools and creating two large lakes. To this day, these lakes—Cobham and Fond du Lac—remain two of the deepest part of the river, filled deep with clay, sand, and silt left when the glaciers receded.
The geologic events that took place millions of years ago have been instrumental in forming the modern soil, rock layers and ecosystems of the Mississippi River Basin. These interactions of glacial and geologic forces helped shape the ancient river, as well as many of the unique wildlife of the region.
The Cultural Significance of the River
The Mississippi has been an integral part of many Native American cultures for centuries. The villages, burial mounds, and petroglyphs dotting the banks of the river are proof of its importance to these communities. But in addition to its cultural significance, for many Native American tribes, the Mississippi was also a vital food source. It provided sustenance for everything from fish to migratory waterfowl.
The river also acted as an important economic and transportation artery. Before the construction of the steamboat, this mighty river was the primary source of transportation in the region. By the 19th century, over 500 steamboats had crossed the Mississippi, ferrying goods from southern towns to northern cities.
Today, the Mississippi’s importance in the modern world has only grown. In addition to providing drinking water for over 20 million people, it serves as a vital resource for farmers all along its banks, who rely on its nutrient-rich silt for fertilizing their fields.
And, of course, the Mississippi continues to serve as a vital source of inspiration for writers, artists and naturalists who seek to capture its beauty, mystery and power. From Mark Twain and John McPhee to Ansel Adams and William Faulkner, the Mississippi has inspired countless works of art, literature and science. The monumental influence of the Mississippi on art and culture is still felt today.
Preservation of the Mississippi
More recently, the river has come under increasing pressure due to pollution and over-development. The heavy industries associated with the river’s flood plains have created severe water pollution, leading to significant losses of fish and other wildlife. This has led to a number of initiatives to preserve the ecosystem of the Mississippi, such as the implementation of wetlands restoration programs, fishing restrictions, and the use of controlled flooding techniques.
Other efforts have focused on the human impact of living alongside the Mississippi. With growing urban areas and ever-increasing populations, many communities are struggling to find ways to accommodate these changes while maintaining their core historical integrity. One of these efforts involves protecting the homeowners from environmental disasters, such as floods, by creating plans to monitor water levels and evacuate in emergencies.
Finally, a series of conservation groups have cropped up to advocate for the preservation of the Mississippi. From the Izaak Walton League of America to the Mississippi River Trust, these organizations aim to help ensure the watershed remains healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
The Impact of the Mississippi on Commerce
The Mississippi is also one of the largest commercial waterways in the world. As the fourth longest river in the United States, it connects thirty two different states over two thousand two hundred and forty two miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Part of the route is through the Mississippi-Missouri River System, and the other is through the Mississippi Delta—an estuary of fertile soil in the eastern Gulf of Mexico that functions as an influx for passing cargo ships.
In addition to its commercial relevance, the Mississippi is also an important hub for recreational activities. It is home to camping, canoeing, and fishing spots, while boat tours often bob along its smooth waters, especially in the summer months. The river also has a long history of fueling the imaginations of those who dare to explore it, many of whom have become famous including Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, and the Merry Pranksters.
In many ways, the Mississippi is still a river of unbridled potential, with a great open invitation to those who would make an effort to know it. It is a place that does not know or acknowledge political boundaries or man-made constraints, but roars its own independent roar, just like so many years before.
The Regulatory Environment Surrounding the Mississippi
Whilst there is a strong legislative infrastructure in place to protect the Mississippi, many of the most prominent initiatives are relatively recent. The Clean Water Act, for example, was signed into law in 1972 in an effort to reduce water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff by implementing environmental standards and regulations. Since then, the legislation has been amended, updated, and strengthened over the years in order to keep up with the increasing demand for fresh water protection.
In addition to the Clean Water Act, new rules are continuously being proposed by states and local governments in an effort to ensure the quality of the water and surrounding environment on the Mississippi is maintained. One such example is the Mississippi River Navigation Law, which was passed in 1989 to ensure the waters of the Mississippi remain navigable and to prevent unsightly obstructions from forming in the river.
These laws have made a significant difference in the quality of the Mississippi, but there is still much more to be done. Most notably, natural resources that have been depleted need to be preserved and restored, and water pollution from industry needs to be addressed in order to ensure a clean and healthy future for the Mississippi and its inhabitants.
The Future of the Mississippi
Despite the challenges posed by industrial and commercial growth, conservationists and regulators remain optimistic about the continued health and sustainability of the Mississippi. The current legal framework, as well as increased public awareness of its ecological importance, are seen as major assets in safeguarding the river’s future.
Researchers are also looking to technology to help protect the Mississippi. For example, the development of predictive models has enabled scientists to identify areas of high risk for floods and other natural disasters, allowing for better preparedness and response. New tools, such as satellite imaging and remote sensing, are also being used to track water quality and develop management plans to ensure the integrity of the Mississippi and its surrounding habitats.
From its ancient beginnings to the challenges facing its future, the Mississippi River has come to represent much more than just a body of water. To many, its history, culture, and legacy serve as a reminder that the Mississippi looks after itself and those around it.
