The Mississippi River flows for around 2300 miles, from its source in north-central Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico near the southeast tip of Louisiana. As the second longest and fourth largest river in the United States, the Mississippi flows through a rich diversity of landscapes and cultures, serving as an important pathway of conservation, commerce and history for the nation.
The mighty Mississippi begins in the northern parts of Minnesota, and departs the state on its eastern border, then continuing on its way through Wisconsin and Iowa. Upon reaching the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa, the river makes a great southerly turn and passes through Illinois, then Missouri, where it this great mighty river forks into two separate branches. The Mississippi course then passes through western Kentucky, west Tennessee, Arkansas, much of Mississippi, and Louisiana, where the river leaves the United States at the head of the Lower Mississippi Valley and drains into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi has provided transportation and sustenance for millions of people since before the beginning of recorded history. Along its banks, flows countless stories of human exploration, Native Americans, plantation owners, revolutionaries, abolitionists, and immigrants. Explorers such as Hernando De Soto and Jacques Marquette braved the depth and breadth of the river and opened it up to commercial traffic and colonisation.
Today, the Mississippi and its tributaries support more than 180 species of fish. Wildlife native to the banks of the Mississippi, though threatened by habitat loss, include American beaver, bald eagle, raccoon, muskrat, and pelican, amongst many others. The river is home to some of the most beloved landmarks in the country such as the Gateway Arch, Pikes Peak, New Orleans’ French Quarter, and the iconic bridge of Memphis.
The Mississippi River connects farmers from all over the Midwest to markets in towns, cities and ports all along the river’s route and even further overseas. In addition, these lands have sometimes been used to store potential toxic and hazardous substances, leading to soil and water contamination along the river. It is one of the most important rivers for navigation in the world, but these industrial uses have introduced certain hazards to its health.
Environmentalists and public health professionals understand the importance of the Mississippi in providing clean safe drinking water to millions of Americans and stopping contaminated water from entering the Gulf of Mexico. Clean Up the Mississippi River Coalition, a partnership between the Natural Resources Defense Council and major corporations, are all taking action to reduce pollution and restore wildlife habitats.
h2>The Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River, running 820 miles from southwestern Pennsylvania to the Mississippi in Cairo, Illinois. The Ohio River is an important source of water, energy and transportation along its length.
It serves as an important source of recreation and wildlife along its length, with wildlife sanctuaries often found near its banks. The Ohio River is enjoyed for its activities like fishing, boating, camping and it also offer some of the best hiking trails in the area.
In the areas of southern Indiana, western Kentucky and the Mississippi Delta, the Ohio River has become an important artery for agricultural production, accounting for large portions of the agricultural areas across the region.
The Ohio River is also an important source of electrical power. It provides hydroelectric power plants, which produce electricity from the river. These plants are capable of generating hundreds of megawatts of electricity, and they are also responsible for supplying most of the electricity consumed by cities along the river.
The Ohio River also connects to a variety of other rivers in the region including the Wabash, the Arkansas, the Tennessee, and the Cumberland. This connection allows canoes, riverboats, and barges to navigate from the midwest all the way down the Mississippi and out to sea.
h2>The Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, and is located in the Midwest. It flows for about 2,500 miles and is the second longest river on the continent (second only to the Mississippi River).
The Missouri River is the main source of drinking water for millions of residents in states including Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana and Nebraska, amongst others. It also serves as an important source of irrigation and transportation in the region.
The Missouri River has been an important river in the history of the United States. Native Americans used the river extensively for transportation and trading before the arrival of European explorers and settlers. The river is named after the Missouri Native American tribe and is the source of the name of the state of Missouri.
In the 19th century, the Missouri River was an important route for the fur trade and for steamboat transport. It was navigationally important for mining and trade. Today, the Missouri River is an important source of water for industry, irrigation and navigation.
The Missouri River is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, pelicans and waterfowl. It is home to endangered species such as the pallid sturgeon and walleye, and is known for its diverse wildlife and fish populations.
h2>The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is one of the major rivers of the South and is known for its incredible beauty and meandering course. The river is 1,450 miles long and originates in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, before continuing its course through the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas, and eventually drains into the Mississippi River.
The Arkansas River is a popular recreational spot for fishing, hunting, boating, camping and hiking. It is also home to a variety of species such as the American White Pelican and the Arkansas River shiner, which are both threatened species.
The river also has been historically important to the area’s human population. Ancient remains of native tribes have been found along the Arkansas, and early French traders used the river for transport and commerce in the 1700s. More recently, the river has been used for hydroelectric power and irrigation, making it important for agriculture.
The Arkansas River is also one of the most popular spots in the United States for whitewater rafting, having been featured in films such as Deliverance and Dawn of the Dead. The Arkansas River is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing, offering great opportunities to observe species such as beavers and several species of deer.
The Arkansas River is a beautiful and important waterway that is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.
h2>The Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is one of the most important rivers in North America. It is the longest river in the Rocky Mountains, flowing for 671 miles from Yellowstone National Park to the Missouri River.
The Yellowstone’s waters are designated as a National Wild River, and is beloved for its remarkable beauty, recreation and trout fishing. It is home to a wide variety of species of fish, including migratory rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and the endangered pallid sturgeon.
The Yellowstone River is also an important source of energy in the region and is the source of most of the power plants in Montana and Wyoming. The Yellowstone has been an important source of recreation, commerce, and exploration since ancient times.
Native Americans have lived and hunted along the Yellowstone for centuries, and the various tribes continue to maintain spiritual, cultural and recreational ties to the river. In addition to its role in providing abundant fisheries, hunting, and recreation opportunities, the Yellowstone is also important for it’s role in regulating the region’s climate and watershed.
The Yellowstone River is a majestic body of water, with its dramatic river valleys, tall mountain peaks, and vibrant wildlife, and it continues to be an integral part of the region.
h2>The Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is a major tributary of the Ohio River and one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching over 652 miles. The Tennessee River begins its journey in Knoxville Tennessee and continues down to Paducah, Kentucky.
The Tennessee River flows through several states such as Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky, providing a link between the cultural and economic centers in the region. Because of its unique geography, the Tennessee River has played an important role in the development of the communities along its banks.
The Tennessee River has become an important transportation route, industrially and recreationally. Boats, barges, and ferries regularly use the river to transport goods and people, while millions of people flock to the river for fishing and other recreational activities.
The Tennessee also serves as an important source of water and energy. Hydroelectric dams along the river generate significant amounts of electricity for the surrounding areas, and local municipal water suppliers rely on the Tennessee for safe, clean drinking water for households.
The Tennessee River is a vibrant and important river in the region. Its importance to the local communities, industries, and recreational areas can not be overstated, and it continues to be an integral part of the region.
