The Mississippi River is one of the longest, most important, and iconic rivers on the planet. It has been an important part of the regions it flows through, both historically and economically, and its significant depths bring life to the area. Of all the depths it contains, what is the deepest point of the Mississippi River?
When discussing depths, the Mississippi River is divided into two regions, the Upper Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. The tallest point of the Mississippi is Lake Itasca in Minnesota, with a height of 483 feet above sea level. The Lower Mississippi portion is the most noteworthy for the depth of its waters, with the Fletcher Bayou area rising to the top as the deepest section, reaching a depth of 186 feet.
Those 186 feet are impressive, but the Fletcher bayou isn’t the only deep section of the river. Below the Fletcher Bayou, the depth has been measured as deep as 119 feet near Lake Providence, Louisiana. It is then followed by an area near St. Francisville, Louisiana, scoring a depth of 97 feet. The Ferndale Station of the Issaquena River in southeastern Mississippi has also achieved a depth of 90 feet.
So why exactly is the Fletcher Bayou the deepest point? One theory revolves around the amount of sand and silt the Lower Mississippi collects. This sedimentation accumulates in certain pools, the increased sedimentation actually raising the floor level of the channel, hollowing out certain points and making them deeper than others.
These depths are impressive, however, they are just a fraction of the Mississippi’s total drop. The total elevation drop of the entire Mississippi River is 2000 feet, with its highest point in Lake Itasca, Minnesota and its lowest point, 2,202 feet above sea level, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Not only does the Mississippi River boast impressive depths, it has strategic importance for how it provides access for barge traffic. Transport cargo to and from the Gulf Coast and bypass large cities has always been a priority, and the Fletcher Bayou provides just that. Even with a small depth of 186 feet, it still provides access for transport between the Appalachians and the Gulf of Mexico without exceeding the legal limits on the width and depth of the navigable channel.
A Rich History of the Mississippi
As with any waterway, the Mississippi holds an abundance of history that has a large influence on how it is now. Its depth is one such example. It is believed that the reason for the depth of the Fletcher Bayou and other points along the Mississippi is due to the melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glacial period.
During the glacial period, the ice sheet, which covered a large portion of Canada, began to melt, creating a colossal flow of the Great Lakes and a massive river that was 30 miles wide and over 400 feet deep! The meltdown of that ice sheet, along with the high peak of Lake Itasca, created the massive drops through the region, including the depths seen today in Fletcher Bayou and other deep pockets of the Mississippi.
In addition, the river also witnessed and influenced the history of the region in its own right. As one of the longest and widest rivers in the world, it became a significant factor in the development of colonial America. This can be seen in one of the most well known pieces of Mississippi history, the Trail of Tears, when the Cherokee people were forcibly moved from Georgia in 1838.
The U.S. Army maximised the use of the Mississippi for transport, and since then it has become an integral part of the American way of life. From transportation routed up from the Colonies to the U.S. during the War of Independence, to the transportation during the Industrial Revolution, and now in modern times, it is undeniable how much the Mississippi has been and continues to be a part of American history.
Major Dangers For Boating
With the Mississippi boasting several depths greater than 90 feet, it also warrants a great level of danger when dealing with boating and swimming in and along the river. Every year, the U.S. Coast Guard responds to roughly 200 distress calls in the waters of the Mississippi. An important and commonly known aspect of the Mississippi River is its strong currents, especially in the Fletcher Bayou area, so any swimming must always be done with care and caution.
In addition, the strong currents of the Fletcher Bayou can also create hazardous conditions for smaller boats, making any type of recreational boating very dangerous in this particular area. That being said, larger boats are usually able to traverse these waters in safety, as it is typically the swift currents that present the most danger.
One of the other hazards to be aware of when boating on the Mississippi are the low-hanging branches, which can be found all along the river’s length. This can be especially dangerous when traveling on the fast-moving waters of Fletcher Bayou, as they can topple boats or snag their propellers.
Finally, those looking to explore the area should watch out for the sand bars, which can cause serious damage to the bottom of a boat when traveling too close or at too high of a speed. It is almost always best to follow the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ boating guidelines and follow the stipulated route when traveling near any of the river’s depths.
Environmental Effects of the Mississippi
In the early years of the Mississippi’s development, the surrounding environmental effects were hardly noticed or even cared about. In more recent times, the Mississippi has witnessed a great deal of damage due to man-made construction, pollution, and neglected management.
The issue of eutrophication is one of the more concerning changes, leaving numerous sections of the Mississippi with less oxygen in the water, which has destructively impacted the balance of the river. Alongside that, pollution has steadily increased over the years. The most known change is the addition of farm chemicals and other pollutants into the river, creating algae blooms that kill the aquatic life in the certain areas.
To counter these effects, organizations such as the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Protection Agency initiated the Mississippi Action Plan in 1970. Initially, the plan was designed to protect the river from any future degradation, however, it has since evolved to include the sections already affected by man-made activities. The aim of the plan is to improve the overall water quality, restoring and preserving the Mississippi for generations to come.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is not only a source of beauty, natural importance, and culture, but it has also been and still is a vital source of economic growth, particularly along its corridors. The Mississippi River has been the backbone of the economic history of the United States and is a significant factor in the economy of the regions it passes through.
The Mississippi River is a major transportation route for freight, boasting the third largest tonnage moved for ports and railroads in the United States. The tonnage includes products from scrap metal and grain to liquid fertilizer and oil, with the majority of traffic coming from trade between other parts of the United States and international ports.
Furthermore, the Mississippi River has also played a major role when it comes to creating jobs, with over 37,000 direct full-time jobs related to freight transportation. From the roustabouts and pilots navigating the barges, to the dredging of the area, the fish and wildlife industry, and more, the Mississippi River has served and will continue to serve as an important part of the economy in the areas it passes through.
Features of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is also an important part of the ecology of the region, in terms of fish and wildlife. It is home to over 30 fish species, including the world’s largest freshwater fish, the sturgeon. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as coyotes, deer, pelicans, and more. These animals, alongside the flourishing vegetation of the riverbed, make the Mississippi River an important ecosystem.
In addition, the Mississippi River provides endless recreational activities. As mentioned, parts of the Mississippi make it the ideal spot for recreational boating, however, it is also popular for swimming, fishing, hunting, and bird watching. The surrounding green spaces make it the perfect spot for nature appreciation and outdoor activity.
The Mississippi River is a staple for the culture of the United States and it will continue to provide life and value for generations to come. It is a source of history, beauty, and economic and environmental importance that serves to shape the landscape both socially and commercially. The Mississippi River and its Fletcher Bayou depths provide an incredible cultural experience to fully appreciate and enjoy.
