What is the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains Called?
The Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains are two of the most iconic natural landmarks in North America. The Mississippi is the fourth-longest river in the world and is often considered the dividing line between the eastern and western halves of the continent. The majestic Appalachian Mountains form the backbone for the Appalachian Trail, one of the oldest and most famous of the United States’ long-distance hiking trails. Together, these two natural wonders are often hailed as some of the defining characteristics of the American landscape, both from a geological and cultural standpoint.
From both a geological and historical standpoint, the Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains have been integral in the development of the United States. The Mississippi is a major river system that flows from Minnesota, down through Arkansas and Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. As such, it provided an important trade route and transportation avenue for settlers heading west and south in the early days of the nation’s settlement and development. The Appalachian Mountains created a formidable physical barrier, leading early settlers and immigrants to develop settlements in the region’s lowlands and valleys. So much so that European settlers often referred to the Appalachian Mountains as the “Backbone of the Americas”.
In terms of their official name, the Mississippi River is officially referred to as the “Mississippi”, and the Appalachian Mountains are officially referred to as “Appalachia” or the “Appalachian Region”. Although these two natural wonders are often categorized and referred to as singular entities, they are, in fact, composed of a number of smaller mountain ranges and tributary rivers. For example, the Appalachian Mountains span 1,500 miles and contain more than 5,000 individual mountain peaks, while the Mississippi river contains a plethora of tributaries, including the Yazoo, the Ohio, and the Arkansas rivers.
From an ecological standpoint, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains provide a number of important habitat and migration corridors for a variety of animal and plant species, and are home to an array of endangered animal and plant species. The vast majority of the Mississippi River basin is classified as wetlands, supporting a vast array of aquatic life and providing vital flood control and water purification systems. The Appalachian Mountains are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, including wetlands, deciduous forest, and even alpine tundra in some of the higher elevations. Both of these two iconic natural features boast numerous annual visitors, making them popular tourist destinations for visitors and locals alike.
The Impact of the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains on North America and the World
From a social and economic standpoint, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains have both been instrumental in the development of the nation. The Mississippi has been integral in helping facilitate transportation and trade, while the Appalachian Mountains have been invaluable in aiding the early settlement of the country. Furthermore, the Mississippi has—and continues—to act as an important means of transportation, communication, and cargo transport between cities located on its banks. It is also credited with helping to build wealth and prosperity in the Mississippi Delta region, while the Appalachian Mountains facilitated the extraction of metals and other minerals from their surrounding areas.
From an environmental standpoint, both the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains are two of the most significant and important ecosystems in the United States. In terms of water sources, the Mississippi River is considered the fourth largest river in the world, and the Appalachian Mountains provide key migration corridors for a variety of animal species. Both of these ecosystems are also important for their roles in the water cycle, providing vital sources of fresh water for humans and animals alike. Furthermore, the wetlands of the Mississippi Delta region are essential for both rearing and breeding of many species of fish and invertebrates, while the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains are home to a number of rare and endangered species.
From a cultural standpoint, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains have always been important parts of the fabric of American society. The Mississippi has been a common route of travel and exploration for many iconic figures in American history, while the Appalachian Mountains have served as a backdrop to a number of stories, songs, and poems over the years. As such, the Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains represent a unique part of the shared heritage of all North Americans, serving as tangible connections to our shared past.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains are two of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States and have been integral parts of the nation’s history and culture. From a geographical and ecological standpoint, these two natural wonders offer a variety of habitats and provide essential resources for residents and wildlife alike. Furthermore, from a social and economic standpoint, the Mississippi and the Appalachians have been instrumental in the development and settlement of the nation, as well as for trade and transport between different cities located along their banks. Consequently, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains have both been major parts of America’s history and shared culture, weaving themselves into the tapestry of history in North America.
History of the Mississippi River and Appalachian Mountains
The Mississippi River has been around since prehistoric times, with some of the earliest settlements in North America located along its banks. Since then, many Native American civilizations have inhabited the region and left behind artifacts and ruins. As Europeans began to colonize the United States, they quickly made use of the Mississippi as a trade route, allowing them to travel and settle further inland. Over the course of the centuries, the Mississippi River has continued to feature prominently in America’s history and culture.
The Appalachian Mountains, on the other hand, were formed millions of years ago by two ancient continental plates colliding with each other, forming the majestic mountain range that has been a mainstay in the American landscape for millions of years. The earliest civilizations in the Appalachian Mountains were mostly Native American—the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole tribes all called the Appalachians home. Later on, Europeans made their way to the mountain range and began claiming the land for themselves, eventually leading to the series of wars between the settlers and the Native Americans.
Both the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains have featured prominently in American culture, serving as backdrops for stories and narratives related to the history of the nation. Both have been the backdrop to many of America’s legendary figures, such as Hernando de Soto who explored the region in the 16th century and the famous folktales involving the Native American tribes such as “Davy Crockett and the Battle of the Alamo”. In recent years, both the Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains have become symbols of National pride and are often featured in movies, literature, and music.
Contemporary Importance of the Mississippi River and Appalachian Mountains
Despite the changes that have affected North America over the centuries since European colonization, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains still remain integral parts of the contemporary map of North America. The Mississippi is still a major transportation route, used by freighters and passenger travel vessels alike, while the Appalachian Mountains are home to some of the most diverse and unique ecosystems in the United States. Furthermore, the many tributaries and wetlands of the Mississippi Delta region and the many mountain peaks of Appalachia attract thousands of visitors every year.
In addition, the Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains still remain vital wildlife corridors, linking different habitats and providing habitats for numerous species of endangered plants and animals. Consequently, both of these two natural wonders of North America still maintain immense cultural significance, and continue to play a major role in shaping the American landscape and the American identity. As such, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains continue to feature prominently in the nation’s history and culture, and are likely to remain important for many generations to come.
Environmental Preservation of the Mississippi River and Appalachian Mountains
Over the last few decades, efforts have been made to preserve and protect both the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains through environmental regulation and conservation measures. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated the amount of pollution allowed to enter the Mississippi River, while the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service have both implemented measures to protect the Appalachian Mountains. Furthermore, numerous non-governmental organizations have undertaken their own efforts to preserve the two ecosystems, through habitat preservation and conservation efforts.
In addition to the efforts to preserve these two ecosystems, certain areas of both the Mississippi and the Appalachians have been designated as national parks, or other types of protected land, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. These protected areas are designed to allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the region without causing harm to the environment or disrupting the local wildlife. As such, these areas serve as examples of the efforts to preserve and protect these two ecosystems.
Finally, education and awareness-raising campaigns have also been undertaken in order to educate people about the importance of preserving both the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains. These campaigns have included presentations and seminars, educational programs, and even outings to the different habitats and ecosystems to learn about the species and habitats of the region first-hand.
Impact on Local Human Communities
The Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains have had a significant impact on the local human communities located in their vicinity. The Mississippi serves as an important source of fresh water and transportation for the many settlements located along its banks, providing much-needed resources for local communities and economies. Meanwhile, the Appalachian Mountains are home to numerous unique cultures and communities, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole tribes. As such, the two of these natural wonders play an important role in the cultural and economic identity of the many local human communities located throughout their region.
The Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains also provide vital sources of employment for the many local communities. The Mississippi is still an important source of transportation, communication, and cargo transport, with many of the larger cities along its banks relying on the river for a variety of services. Meanwhile, the Appalachian Mountains still remain an important source of minerals, metals, and timber, providing employment opportunities for local residents.
The Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains are also home to a variety of tourist attractions, bringing additional employment opportunities and business to the region. Countless people travel to the region each year to take part in camping, fishing, and other recreational activities, while the many unique cultures of the local communities also attract many visitors looking to experience the unique lifestyle of Appalachia first-hand.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains are two of America’s most iconic natural wonders, with centuries of history weaving itself into the fabric of the nation’s history and culture. Despite the changes that these two ecosystems have experienced over the centuries, they still retain immense importance both from a geological and a cultural standpoint. Furthermore, these two natural wonders still remain integral parts of the local human communities located in their vicinity, providing vital sources of employment and income for the local economies. Consequently, the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains remain two of the most important features of North America’s landscape, continuing to provide both cultural and economic benefits to their respective regions.
