The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, and has been regarded as a transcontinental artery since the days of early exploration. The Amerindian tribes to the south, and the traders who followed, depended on its life-giving waters to transport them through their journeys. As river transport expanded, more and more rivers have been connected to the Mississippi, resulting in the formation of one of the largest drainage systems in North America.
One of the most important rivers that connects to the Mississippi, is the Missouri River, which originates all the way upriver in Montana and North Dakota. From there it snakes southward, running along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, before joining into the Mississippi River about 370 miles downstream from St. Louis. There, at the confluence of the two rivers, is the home of the Great River—a unique ecosystem that plays host to thousands of migratory birds and native species, from swallows to snapping turtles.
The Ohio River is another major river that connects to the Mississippi. This river is formed by its tributaries: the Big Miami, the Little Miami, and the Great Miami—all originating from Ohio and Indiana. The Ohio River flows from its source near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then turns to traverse the Midwest states of Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and West Virginia before eventually reaching the Mississippi delta at Cairo, Illinois.
The Arkansas River is a tributary to the Mississippi, having first been charted by French explorer Jacques Marquette and fur trader Louis Jolliet in 1673. The Arkansas River is formed by the confluence of the White and Arkansas rivers. It flows across the Midwest to join the Mississippi in eastern Arkansas, approximately 715 miles upstream from the mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The river saw extensive use as part of the Trail of Tears, several Native American tribes having used it to travel westward as they were displaced from their ancestral lands.
The Red River is another major tributary to the Mississippi. The Red River lies in the southern United States, and arises from two sources—the headwaters of the North and South Fork—in Montana and North Dakota. In Louisiana, the Red River eventually flows into the Mississippi. The river is known for its rich biodiversity, and its oxbow lakes, wetlands, and cypress swamps are home to many endangered species.
The Tennessee River is the third largest main tributary of the Mississippi River. This river is formed in the eastern side of the Appalachians, and flows through the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky before it ultimately joins the Mississippi. It is also home to the “duck hunting capital of the world,” Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee.
In addition to the major tributaries that connect to the Mississippi, there are several minor tributaries such as the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Des Moines, Missouri, and Ohio rivers. The Great Chicago and Calumet Rivers—both of which originate in Illinois—also flow into the Mississippi. These rivers are important in terms of supplying water to the various cities along the river. These rivers are also critical in terms of transportation, as they provide a navigable network that connect different cities.
Impacts on the Environment
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi River also have major influence on the environment. As the river courses, it surges downstream and carries with it a variety of pollutants, including industrial and agricultural waste, pesticides, and fertilizers. These contaminants enter the tributaries along the way and can cause serious damage to the local ecosystems. This is particularly true of the Ohio River, where contamination from industrial sites, urban runoff, and agricultural activity has wreaked havoc on the water quality. As such, it is important for us to consider ways to reduce pollution in these tributaries and keep our rivers clean.
The rivers also play a major role in terms of controlling floods, as they can absorb the excess water from flooding events. The rivers help to lower peak flood levels and slow down the runoff, thus reducing the amount of damage caused by floods. In this way, the rivers act as a buffer zone for cities and towns in the path of the Mississippi, cushioning them from the effects of flooding.
Potential of River Tourism
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi also have great potential for river tourism. Thousands of tourists come to the area every year to explore its abundance of natural resources. From fishing, to boating and canoeing, the rivers provide many recreational opportunities that attract both domestic and foreign visitors. The rivers and wetlands are also popular for bird watching, as the area is home to a wide variety of species. In recent years, there has been a surge in river tourism, with eco-tourism operators offering tours and packages that cater to people looking to explore the area.
As the number of tourists continues to increase, the need for more infrastructure, such as lodges, campsites, and cabins, has become crucial. This is especially true in the calmer, more remote reaches of the rivers, as these areas require more amenities than what is available in the towns and cities along the river. Currently, there is also a need for additional environmental regulations to ensure that the rivers remain pristine and safe for both visitors and wildlife.
Economic Development
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi are also of great importance in terms of economic development. The waterways provide a reliable source of transportation for cargo, from grains and minerals to fuel and lumber. The rivers also provide a safe route for vessels, as the waters are generally calmer and more sheltered than those found off the coast of Louisiana. In terms of local tourism, the rivers help to foster job creation and further economic growth in the region.
In addition, the rivers also help to control pollution levels. As waters flow through the tributaries, pollutants are taken out of the system and carried downstream along the main river. This helps to reduce dangerous levels of contaminants in the environment, which can be harmful to both human and animal health.
Critical Ecosystems
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi are also home to critical ecosystems. There are numerous wetlands in the area, which are home to an abundance of wildlife and vegetation. These areas also act as natural buffers, protecting the downstream areas from flooding and coastal erosion. The wetlands are also essential as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.
In addition, the rivers support a rich variety of aquatic life. The rivers provide food and habitat for thousands of species, including iconic river-dwelling creatures like beavers, otters, and turtles. These species are critical in terms of maintaining the river’s overall balance, as they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Indigenous Peoples and Conservation
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi have a long history of indigenous peoples. Many of the indigenous tribes lived in the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. These tribes have since been pushed out of their ancestral lands, but many still remain in the same areas where their ancestors lived. Today, there are still many indigenous people who are trying to preserve their traditions and cultures.
The various rivers that connect to the Mississippi are also important in terms of conservation. These rivers play an integral role in the health of the ecosystems in the region, and it is important that we protect them and the species that live there. In recent years, several NGOs have taken it upon themselves to work with local indigenous communities in order to preserve these unique ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Protection of the Ecosystems
In order to protect the waters that connect to the Mississippi, we need to take active measures to preserve these ecosystems. This can include initiatives to reduce pollution, as well as initiatives to control the spread of invasive species. We also need to make sure that we are taking steps to protect the indigenous communities who are often most affected by the changes to the environment.
The rivers that connect to the Mississippi are essential to the region and the planet. These rivers provide food and habitat to numerous species, they help to control pollution, and they provide a vital source of transportation and commerce. As such, it is important that we take steps to protect these waters, and work to preserve them for generations to come.
