The mighty Mississippi River that stretches 2,350 miles across North America and passes through 10 states is an emblem of American culture and an important natural resource. Spanning from Minnesota in the north to the Louisiana delta in the south, the Mississippi River is home to a number of major cities located at its banks. Below, we’ll take a look at the four most iconic cities of the Mississippi River, their rolling history, and their future.
St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is located on the east bank of the river and has a population of 308,000. The city is also the smaller out of the two that formed the Twin Cities, the other being Minneapolis. St. Paul is often called the “city of neighborhoods,” with its unique neighborhoods being alluring for young professionals, who, alongside the city’s rich art and music scenes, have injected life into the often-passioned atmosphere of the city.
The junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers formed the city at the start of the 19th century and set the stage for an era of industrialization that saw powerful industries rise and decline. The city was also famously the first place in the Midwest to be settled by US Europeans, setting the stage for today.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, with over 15,000 citizens, is the oldest city on the Mississippi River and dates back to the 18th century. It is known as the “jewel of the river” thanks to its beautiful plantations and antebellum homes – many of which remain whole to this day.
The city is renowned for its embattled history, from the French and Spanish colonies, to the battles of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; the events have all left an indelible effect on the area and the culture it produces.
Natchez is still an important center of business and culture, with many tourist attractions embedded in its downtown area, including the iconic underwater tunnelling technique used to mitigate the threat of floods.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg is located on a high bluff on the east bank of the Mississippi River and is home to over 23,000 people. The town was an important trading center for the region in the 19th century, and contains a range of buildings from the era.
It was also the site of an infamous Civil War siege in 1863, in which an important railway crossing was captured by the Union forces from the Confederates. This event was the turning point of the Civil War, with the Union being given a clear path to invade the South.
The city is still renowned for its unique atmosphere, with an interesting mixture of cultures that gives a unique combination of classics and modernity.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although not the largest city on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is surely the most famous. The city, which is the host of the world-renowned Mardi Gras festival, boasts a population of over 389,000, making it the largest city on the Mississippi.
New Orleans is known as the “Big Easy,” and is an epicenter of culture, arts, music and good food. The city’s buzzing nightlife and wide spread across the Mississippi are said to make it unique among other major cities.
The city has faced difficult times with natural distress, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Following the disaster, the city was slowly rebuilt and is still standing strong after its rebirth from the ashes.
Economic Potential of the Great River
In addition to the personal connections held with the Mississippi River, there is a large economic potential to consider. It is estimated that over 20% of all US agricultural exports are shipped through it, with dozens of large ports scattered along the riverside.
Furthermore, the definition of the river goes well beyond the states that it passes through, with projects like the Inland Waterway project playing a great role in connecting the East coast to the rest of the country.
The river has also seen an expansion of the energy industry, with 12 hydroelectric plants operational along its path, alongside other industrial production centers, such as natural gas, biofuels and petrochemicals.
Environmental Impact
The conversation of the river’s potential and its value to the US economy should be contextualized with the environmental issues that have affected it over the years. Major impacts such as floods and erosion, water pollution, and the leakage of hazardous chemicals into its waters, have been an ever-present threat to its delicate balance.
In recent years however, environmental awareness and regulations have done a lot to mitigate these issues, with cities such as St. Louis seeing a decrease in pollutants, and the river returning to its former glory.
Organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund are continual supporters of the river, dealing with issues related to the clearing of trash, sewage treatment and the leveling of dangerous dams.
Cultural Impact
The influence of the Mississippi River can be traced back to American culture in a number of ways. It’s seen as a romantic force in films like The Notebook, an important transport route for businessmen, and is famously the subject of a number of songs and lyricists.
Cruise ships sail up and down its length, with popular entertainment such as jazz often played in its riverside bars. The warm sunsets that draw out from the river are often iconic of life in the South.
The river also plays host to culinary experiences, with a mix of seafood, street food and fine dining, being based at its banks.
Future and Preservation
Despite the significant, and often negative, impacts the Mississippi River has seen over the years, there is still much to be done in order to preserve it. Projects such as River Link, a scheme to create parks and pathways along its banks, are already making great steps towards better connecting people with the river and its surrounds.
Other initiatives, such as the Embrace a Stream program, are also raising awareness and taking proactive measures to ensure there is a future for the river and its wildlife, something that is absolutely essential for the United States.
