The Origins and Feature of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, just behind the Missouri River. Originating from the northeastern headwaters in Minnesota’s Lake Itasca, the Mississippi meanders southward for more than 2,320 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Along its course, the ‘Old Man River’ crosses states such as Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. As the river progresses downstream, numerous tributaries join the main channel, supplying it with over 1.25 million cubic feet of water per second.
Encompassing 397,000 square miles of watershed and draining 31 states, the Mississippi River has become an essential part of North American culture. Natives to the region have been utilizing it for thousands of years, relying upon its waters to sustain life and facilitate transport. Thanks to its popularity as a transport waterway and navigable depths, explorers were able to traverse the river, allowing development along the Mississippi’s banks to more rapidly expand.
Historic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had numerous historic implications throughout the years, particularly during the Industrial Revolution when it formed an essential element of American commerce and cultivation. The 1865 state of Mississippi allowed steamboats to operate everyday which let merchants and manufacturers transport their goods overland to the thriving port cities along the river. As a result of this system, certain towns and cities along the river’s course began to gain reputations as significant commercial and cultural centers.
Today, the Mississippi River is still a significant commercial waterway and remains the largest river in North America. By far the most important of the Mississippi’s many tributaries is the Missouri River, which along with the Ohio River, form the watershed’s eastern boundary.
Rivers Flowing Into the Mississippi River
The Missouri River is not the only river which flows into the Mississippi. In fact, numerous rivers, streams, lakes and man-made canals join the big river, featuring various lengths and discharges. Some of the largest and most important are:
• The Minnesota River, originating from the northwestern headwaters of Lake Itasca• The St. Croix River, a tributary of the Upper Mississippi River from Wisconsin and Minnesota• The Vermillion River, also known as the Grand River of Louisiana, flows into the Mississippi just below the Arkansas border• The Arkansas River, the 6th longest river in the United States• The Red River, which originates in the Texas Panhandle and flows into Arkansas
Environmental Impact
The immense drainage area of the Mississippi River lowlands has formerly been entirely grasslands and woodlands. Nevertheless, a large portion has been transformed into agricultural fields or used for urban growth. A great deal of land is used to grow corn and soybeans, as well as other varieties of crops and livestock. Since these farming processes tend to use plenty of water, the river has naturally been subjected to high levels of contamination.
In addition, increased traffic on the Mississippi River has allowed for significant sediment carry-off, generating increased erosion and siltation in the main channels. Studies have additionally found that the river is affected by a massive range of different pollutants, many of which originate from the cities and towns which can be found along its course.
Recreational activities in the Mississippi river
Despite the environmental pressures, the Mississippi River offers incredibly varied scenery and wide range of recreational activities. Many individuals take pleasure in simply being on the river, soaking up its serene atmosphere. Popular activities such as canoeing, fishing and birding have become popular among visitors. Along the way, visitors will discover plenty of wildlife, unique geological formations and important historically significant sites.
The Mississippi River is home to numerous state parks and wildlife refuges. In the Upper Midwest, it is not uncommon to see bald eagles, pelicans, egrets and other animal life. Further downstream, buildings, structures and monuments of both national and local significance can be seen, such as the Gateway Arch in St Louis.
Economy
In addition to agriculture and transport, the Mississippi River has been the site of numerous jobs and businesses built around the recreational opportunities it provides. Manufacturing, engineering, shipping and travel make up a significant portion of the regional industry, fostering for a much brighter economic future for towns and cities located up and down the river.
With its wide range of flora and fauna and lengthy legacy of human engagement, Mississippi River is still incredibly popular and important to many, especially those living in the Great Plains states. It features some of the most beautiful and diverse ecology, making it an important part of the American character.
New Developments
In recent years, new projects, investments and initiatives have been established to help protect the integrity of the Mississippi River. Currently, government and private entities are designing plans to restore some of the river’s wetlands, which will further enhance the ecosystem. Also, new levees, dams and locks are being constructed along the Mississippi in an attempt to form a safer and greener environment, while engineers are attempting to re-navigate the river to increase navigability and reduce flooding in certain areas.
Expectations are that, with increased engineering and sustainable solutions, the Mississippi River will continue to be an essential part of North American commerce and culture, precisely as it has been for centuries.
Conservation Efforts
In order to further protect the environment of the Mississippi, various organizations have been established to promote conservation efforts throughout the watershed. Organizations such as The Mississippi River Network, The Sierra Club and American Rivers promote best practice for waterway usage and provide ways for people to get involved and make their voices heard.
These groups advocate for the safe management of recreational and commercial activities, whilst encouraging long-term sustainable solutions which will help protect the natural environment and maintain an ecosystem along the Mississippi River.
Challenges & Opportunities
The Mississippi River faces numerous challenges, including controlling water levels and navigating dams, sustaining livable populations, contamination from agricultural runoff and aquatic biodiversity conservation. Despite this, many opportunities are also present, such as restoring tranquility and a healthy ecosystem, developing and generating power, shipping and improving the quality of life for all species along and around the river.
The combination of all these factors makes the Mississippi River one of the most intriguing and fascinating places for recreational activities, and a great source of natural resources, economic development, and scientific research.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important part of North American history and culture. Natives, explorers and locals alike have relied on its waters for millennia, using its current to transport goods, traverse the continent and build economies. Although the river has seen numerous fluctuations over the decades, it remains a significant facet of American life and continues as one of the biggest rivers in the United States.
