What Four States Border the Mississippi River?
Meandering from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi is the fourth longest river in the world. Its 2,320-mile expanse is essential to American history, both in a battlefield and a commerce sense. But, four states share a unique relationship with the river, as their boundaries have been drawn along its path.
The borders of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas all follow the meanderings of the Mississippi. To the north stands Minnesota, a Golden Prairie state with a vast network of rivers and lakes that are fed by the Mississippi. Commercial and recreational fishermen take advantage of the fish, while the scenery inspired the landscape painters’ of the 19th century.
Iowa was christened the Hawkeye State due to its location along the path of the Mississippi and its tributaries. It’s also known as the Land Between Two Rivers, as both the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers shape its dimensions. The mighty river has allowed Iowa to become the “Farm State,” as it provides nutrients to the loess soil, making it rich and productive in agricultural investments.
Traveling the plains from Iowa, the banks of the Mississippi mark the southwesterly state of Missouri. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the vast forests of the Bootheel, the river has both divided and united the state. Its most famous landmark would be St. Louis, perched on the river’s western bank. This great metropolis was largely built upon the profits of the Mississippi.
At the gateway to the South stands Arkansas, the Western Bluebird State. From the Delta to the Ouachitas, Arkansans are passionate about their state’s land and identity. Commerce has been part of the river culture since the first canoes plied its waters eons before Europeans ever stepped foot in the Mississippi valley.
Connection to the Continental Railroad
In the mid 19th century, the Mississippi held a special place in Americans’ minds: it was the critical connection between the east and west coasts of the United States. It not only allowed for trade between the regions, but also allowed goods to be shipped up and down the river itself. In the mid 1800s, the construction of the first railroad across the Continental United States relied heavily on the Mississippi for its transportation of materials and goods.
Starting from a settlement on the Missouri River and tracking south and west to California, the iron tracks of the first railway followed the general path of the Mississippi. It gave local communities access to goods from both sides of the US, including mail, food, and tools. The railway also enabled immigrants to quickly transport goods and people from the eastern seaboard to the west coast for settlement. For these reasons, the Mississippi was a paramount player in early American history.
The Significance of the Mississippi Delta
The states that border the Mississippi are known as the “Delta States.” The area of land around the river’s mouth is notoriously rich in mineral deposits, sinking and eroding land, making the soil silty. This is why the region is known as the “Delta,” because of its shape when it is washed away from the coastline.
The region separated by the Mississippi River and its tributaries is the birthplace of blues music. The haunting sounds of this genre have resounded from the waters of the great delta for generations of immigrants and natives. From the 1920s to present-day, the delta’s influence on American music is substantial. It is also a region of vital importance in the culture of African Americans.
The delta also provides a critical buffer zone between the Mississippi and the Gulf. This prevents some of the severe storms in the Gulf from sweeping inland, which could cause catastrophic destruction on mainland America. The critical role of the delta states in protecting the nation from severe weather can’t be overstated. Without the buffer zone of the delta states, such storms would pose a serious threat to America’s safety.
Environmental Contamination of the Mississippi
Unfortunately, the Mississippi is not immune to environmental contamination. Pollution from nearby factories and city waste, as well as runoff from fields containing agricultural chemicals, has caused serious environmental issues in the delta states. Contamination of the river is a major issue for states that rely on it for commerce and recreation. Reversing this trend has become one of the most important environmental tasks of the delta states.
The state governments have taken measures to curtail the environmental damage. They have imposed stiff regulations on upstream waste to ensure that the river is not overburdened. However, informing the public of safe fishing practices, higher water quality standards, and smart development plans could create a brighter future for the Mississippi and its delta states.
Economy, Culture, and Industrialization
The Mississippi has been an economic powerhouse since the 19th century. Industrialization of the river banks has been vital to the development of America’s infrastructure. This has created many of the most successful cities and states that America has today. This industrialization has resulted in an abundance of exports, including grains, steel and oil.
The exploitation of the natural resources of the Mississippi has not been without negative consequences. Industrialized societies often lead to environmental degradation, loss of habitats, and displacement of traditional people and cultures. This is particularly true for the delta states, where generations have relied on the Mississippi and its tributaries for food and income. The fight to protect native species, habitats, and cultures has become a primary concern for many Americans.
Changes to the Physical Structure of the River
The Mississippi has undergone dramatic changes since the first humans laid eyes upon it. Dams, levees and other engineering projects have caused massive shifts in the river’s course, often causing environmental damage in the process. The channels and oxbow lakes created by these projects have allowed some native species to thrive, while others have seen their habitats destroyed. The river, itself, is constantly changing, shifting lap by lap overnight and, more significantly, from year to year.
This system of manmade along with natural alterations to the Mississippi have left many of the delta states in a precarious situation. Every attempt to modify the river has the potential to create or destroy vital ecosystems, economic growth, or cultural identity.
Conclusion of Human Interference
The story of the Mississippi and its relationship to the delta states is a complex one. The river has always been integral to their culture and economic foundations. But, the human interference in its course has left the region vulnerable to devastating flooding and other natural disasters. The challenge for the delta states is to protect the river while maintaining an environment that recognizes the diversity of their culture and nature.
