The mighty Mississippi River has been called many things—”Father of Waters,” “Old Man River,” and “Big Muddy.” It’s one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching from Minnesota in the north all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. Along its winding 2,320-mile course, the river flows through several major cities, nourishing them with its sediment-laden waters.
Recognized as a critical artery for transportation and commerce, the Mississippi provides power, sustenance, and beauty to the cities it flows through. With its abundant river life and diverse recreational opportunities, it’s possible to explore the Mississippi from many different perspectives.
In Minnesota, the Mississippi winds its way through the Twin Cities metro area, including the capital of St. Paul. As it flows south, it passes next to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and enters Iowa. There, it curves near Dubuque and Sioux City before heading into Nebraska.
The St. Louis Metro Area is just across the Mississippi River from Illinois, and the Gateway Arch stands guard over this meeting of east and west. From here, the river passes beside Hannibal, Missouri, and onto acclaimed Mark Twain National Park, named after the river’s most famous chronicler.
The Mississippi continues its course farther south from Tennessee to Memphis, a city known for its blues, barbecue, and its muse, Elvis Presley. Further downstream the river takes a southerly direction, and passes through the state of Mississippi’s capital, Jackson.
Crossing into Louisiana, the Mississippi meets several major cities along its path. First, it flows past Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital. The Crescent City of New Orleans is not far off, meandering through the Atchafalaya Delta to the Gulf of Mexico.
No other river in America has had the same lasting impact as the Mississippi. From northern Dakotas to the banks of the Gulf, the river has provided sustenance, transportation, and access to goods and services. Where it flows, the Mississippi nurtures communities, supplies food, and supports an abundance of wildlife.
Economic Growth
The economic growth of these cities is tied to the Mississippi River. The river has long been used for transportation and commerce, and it continues to be an important resource for businesses large and small today. The river has given these communities access to resources, trade, and goods that wouldn’t be possible without it. Because the river runs through so many major cities on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s become an integral part of their economies.
The Mississippi has been used to transport goods and services between the north and south since the first settlers arrived. Throughout its history, settlers, adventurers, and traders of all kinds have relied on the river to get goods and services to where they needed them. This allowed the river cities to become prosperous trade centers. As more people moved in, the cities grew in size and scope and began to develop their own distinct cultures and ways of life.
The river has helped these cities become centers of manufacturing and innovation too. Many of the cities that the Mississippi runs through have become hubs for industrialization and manufacturing. For example, the port in St. Louis helps to transport goods up and down the river. Major oil refineries form part of New Orleans’ economy, while transportation companies use the river to move goods between the north and south.
The river itself has also been a source of power. Historically, cities along the Mississippi have taken advantage of the river’s current by building dams and other structures to generate hydroelectricity. Today, many of these cities continue to use the river’s power to generate electricity, while others use solar and wind power instead.
Ecological Preservation
Although the Mississippi River provides economic stability, its conservation is just as important. The river is known for its unique and varied ecosystems, from empty landscapes to flourishing wetlands. The river’s long course is home to an abundance of wildlife, and major efforts are underway to protect and preserve the river for future generations.
The cities along the Mississippi are taking steps to protect the river from pollutants and other sources of contamination. They are enacting policies to reduce agricultural runoff, limiting fertilizer and pesticide use, and minimizing industrial waste. These steps help to protect the water quality of the Mississippi and nurture its habitats.
In addition, the cities are also taking steps to preserve the river’s habitats and species. For example, programs like the National Park Service’s River Otter Reintroduction Program reintroduce river otters back into the wild. Such restoration programs help ensure the long-term health of the river and its species.
Finally, the cities are also promoting ecotourism along the Mississippi. Kayaking and canoeing are popular tourist activities, and nature-based tourism like bird-watching and nature photography encourages visitors to appreciate the river and its surrounding environment. As more visitors come to experience the river, the cities have an opportunity to raise funds for environmental programs.
Recreational Opportunities
Many of the cities along the Mississippi offer unique recreational opportunities. Whether it’s fishing, swimming, or camping, the river has something to offer everyone. Cities like Minneapolis and La Crosse are known for their access to hiking, cycling and water sports while New Orleans is home to a vibrant and dynamic music and arts scene.
The Mississippi River has also become a popular destination for travelers. Every year, thousands of people journey down the “Mighty Mississippi,” taking in its sights and sounds. Popular cruise companies, such as American Queen Steamboat Company, run trips from St. Paul to New Orleans and other ports of call along the way.
Not all the activities at the Mississippi River are recreational, though. Many communities that it passes through offer unique educational and historical attractions. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, for example, traces the expedition of the two explorers, and is popular with history buffs.
Other cities, like Hannibal, Missouri, have embraced the river’s cultural charm and rooted their tourism industry in the legacies of great writers, such as Mark Twain. Visitors are encouraged to explore the culture, history and stories of some of the towns and cities that the Mississippi passes through.
Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a profound impact on the cities it passes through. It has become an essential part of their economies and a source of sustenance, power, recreation, and education. This mighty river continues to shape the culture and identities of the cities it flows through.
To this day, the river continues to influence the development of these communities. Many cities have used its power to enrich their economies, nurture their habitats, and foster their local cultures. Whether it’s for transportation, commerce, or recreation, the Mississippi River has become an integral part of the cities it passes through.
Economic Development
The Mississippi River has been vital to the economic development of the cities along its course. Its history of transportation and commerce has enabled these cities to access resources, goods, and services that otherwise would not be possible.
Today, many of the cities along the river focus on the river’s potential for economic development. By promoting tourism, they hope to attract more visitors to their city and explore the attractions the river has to offer. In addition, they are also looking to use its hydropower to generate electricity, and are creating plans for port development to facilitate trading and transport.
The river’s resources have also been critical for industries like transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. Many of the cities that it passes through have seen their industries boom because of the opportunities the river has presented. For example, St. Louis and Hannibal both owe much of their commercial success to the river.
Environmental Challenges
The Mississippi River is not without its share of environmental challenges. Despite efforts to protect its abundance of water life, much of the river is still threatened by pollutants and other forms of contamination. The river is also seeing an increase in sediment deposits, which can make the water more shallow and harder to navigate by boat.
In addition, the river is susceptible to floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. As a result, it’s important for these cities to have plans in place to deal with such events. Many cities have begun to focus on developing resilient infrastructure, such as levees, to prepare for such events.
Finally, the cities along the Mississippi have to navigate the balance between conservation and development. It’s important for them to protect the river’s habitats and species, while still making the most use out of its resources. This can be a difficult balance to strike, but with careful planning it can be achieved.
Legacy of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has left an indelible mark on the cities it passes through. River cities like St. Louis and Memphis have grown and prospered because of the river and its resources. The river has provided sustenance, a source of power and transportation, and a link between the past, present and future.
As the Mississippi continues its winding course, it will continue to shape the cities it flows through. From the Mississippi Delta and beyond, the river will remain an integral part of the lives and legacies of those living along its banks.
