What is the Major Tributaries of the Mississippi River
One of the longest rivers in North America, the Mississippi River, has been connecting people, cultures, and civilizations for centuries. Running over 2,000 miles in length, it is the fourth-longest river system in the world, reaching nine entire states and two Canadian provinces. The Mississippi River is composed of a number of major tributaries, all of which play an important role in the lives of those along the river’s path.
Beginning in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi River has the headwaters of several major tributaries. One of the earliest waterways to join the Mississippi is the Missouri River. The Missouri River, the longest of the Mississippi tributaries, travels more than 2,300 miles from its source on the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Agricultural centers, such as Omaha, Neb., are found along the Missouri, providing a major source of sustenance for the rural areas of Midwest.
The Ohio River is another major tributary to the Mississippi, and is itself composed of tributaries, including the Allegheny, the Monongahela and the Wabash. The Ohio River stretches some 981 miles and is the largest tributary by volume, feeding into the Mississippi from the Midwest. Major ports, such as Cincinnati, Ohio, have grown up along the Ohio River to provide transportation of manufactured goods away from the region.
The upper Mississippi River sees the confluence of several other large tributaries, including the Minnesota, the Wisconsin and the Rock rivers. All three rise in the north and move south, crossing through states such as Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The Illinois River is one of the largest tributaries to the Mississippi, and is itself fed by several rivers, such as the Kankakee and the Fox. Major cities in Illinois, such as Peoria and Hennepin, were built on the banks of the Illinois River.
Beyond the Illinois River, minor tributaries weave in and out of the Mississippi, including the Arkansas River, the Red River and the Yazoo River. All three rivers form part of the greater Mississippi River Delta, with the Yazoo River forming the largest portion. The Mississippi River Delta is an area of immense importance for the ecosystem, providing shelter for animal and plant life, and harboring some of the richest soils in the United States.
The Mississippi River has been an integral part of life for those living in its watershed for thousands of years. The river continues to be an important part of the region, connecting people and providing economic opportunities, while supplying water to millions of people daily. The major tributaries of the Mississippi River allow this river system to flow, providing resources and shelter for generations to come.
The Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is the largest tributary to the Mississippi, aging 409 miles in length and running parallel with the state of Minnesota. The source of the river is in Big Stone Lake on the Minnesota and South Dakota border. Native American tribes utilized the river for centuries for transportation, eventually making way for Europeans to come to the region. Several major cities, such as Mankato and St. Paul, were established along the banks of the Minnesota River.
Today, the Minnesota River is used for a variety of purposes, from recreation to industrial growth. Minnesota River dams and locks help to provide thousands of jobs, while also providing much-needed water storage for the state. Many recreational activities take place in the river, from canoeing and kayaking to fishing and swimming.
The Minnesota River still has a major impact on the lives of those living along its banks. The landscape along the river is constantly changing, with forests, fields, and even some marshland peppering along the banks. The river still serves as an important lifeline for the region, connecting communities and allowing them to share resources.
The White River
The White River is another important tributary of the Mississippi River, flowing into the river from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. The White River is divided into two branches, the northern and southern divisions, which meet near Clarendon, Arkansas to form the White River. The White River is approximately 500 miles in length, providing much-needed drainage to the region.
The White River originated as a meandering stream many centuries ago, and today still holds a significant place in history. Numerous archaeological sites have been discovered, proving the importance of the White River as a resource for Native American cultures. The river currently serves as a way to transport agricultural goods, as well as providing recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing and water-skiing.
Much like the Minnesota River, the White River has had a strong impact on the landscape, carving into the landscape and carving out new channels for the river to move through. Sediment deposited in the river has allowed for many species of wildlife to flourish, including both animal and plant life. The white River is an important part of the Mississippi system, forming part of the greater Delta and providing much-needed resources for the region.
The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the second-longest of the Mississippi tributaries, and the sixth-longest river in America. Originating in the Colorado Rockies, the river snakes its way south, eventually entering the Mississippi near the town of Napoleon, Arkansas. The river is nearly 1,450 miles in length, and is the second largest tributary of the Mississippi by volume.
The Arkansas River has been an important part of people’s lives for thousands of years, providing resources and opportunities. Native Americans relied upon the river for transportation, while European settlers used the river to establish trading networks throughout the region. The river continues to provide economic opportunities, allowing for goods to be shipped on barges along the river and providing electricity to the region through hydropower.
The Arkansas River also provides recreational opportunities, from fishing and canoeing to camping and bird watching. Many sections of the river are still wild, giving those along the river a chance to experience the beauty of nature. All in all, the Arkansas River is an important part of the Mississippi River system, providing countless resources for those living in the region.
The Yazoo River
Originating in the Yazoo Basin of Mississippi, the Yazoo River winds its way southeast through the state, eventually joining the Mississippi near Vicksburg. The river is approximately 200 miles in length and is the third-largest tributary to the Mississippi River. In fact, the Yazoo River contributes the largest portion of the Mississippi River Delta, which itself is an area of immense importance.
The Yazoo River has been an important part of the lives of people living near the river for thousands of years. Spains first colonial foothold in the Americas was at the confluence of the Yazoo and the Mississippi. During the Civil War, the confluence of the Yazoo and the Mississippi proved to be strategic ground, with major battles being fought at the site.
Currently, the Yazoo River provides much-needed resources for those living along the Mississippi. Hydroelectric dams create electricity for the region, while overflow from the river keeps the region fertile and able to grow crops. Recreation is still a major draw for visitors, with fishing, canoeing and bird-watching popular activities along the Yazoo.
The Red River
The Red River is the southernmost tributary of the Mississippi. Originating in Texas, the river makes its way to the Mississippi near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Red River is approximately 550 miles in length, and is the largest southern tributary of the Mississippi. Major navigation vessels can travel up to the Red River and beyond.
The Red River was a major source of transportation for many years, providing a way for goods to move up and down the Mississippi. Native Americans used the river for centuries as well, with some tribes settling along the banks of the Red River. In modern times, the Red River still plays an important role, providing economic opportunities and connecting people and cities together.
The Red River is also home to some of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. Many species of fish and wildlife make their home along the banks of the Red River, and thousands of acres of marsh land provide habitat for some species of birds and mammals. The Red River provides an important part of the greater Mississippi system, contributing to the economy and environment in the region.
