The Mississippi River is the second longest river system in the United States, spanning over 2,320 miles from its source in the Western Great Lakes region of Minnesota to its delta into the Gulf of Mexico. It serves as a major waterway for transportation and commerce, and is known for its deep and rich history, steeped in folklore, blues music, and literature. There are many rivers that empty into the Mississippi River and make it what it is today.
The Missouri River is the longest and the most important river that flows into the Mississippi. The Missouri is the longest tributary to the Mississippi, at about 2,341 miles, and is the second largest river in the United States behind the Mississippi. The Missouri River enters the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River basin encompasses over 530,000 square miles, and is home to a diverse range of species such as the pallid sturgeon, least tern, and interior least tern. The Missouri River is an important source of water for agricultural and industrial purposes, and is also a popular destination for recreation due to its many parks, campgrounds, and riverside towns.
The Ohio River is the second longest tributary flowing into the Mississippi River. At 981 miles long, it serves as a major transportation route for the Central and Eastern United States. The Ohio River originates in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and flows through the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before entering the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illiniois. Its watershed is the largest in the country, covering 11 states. The Ohio River is an important source of drinking water and a major artery for freight transportation. It’s popularity for recreation activities such as fishing, camping, and boating makes it a destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Arkansas River is the third longest tributary to the Mississippi at 1,469 miles. Originating in Colorado, it flows through the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before entering the Mississippi in Arkansas. The Arkansas River basin is known as “America’s Inland Sea” due to its expansive area of over 168,000 square miles. The Arkansas River serves an important transportation route for coal, liquid fuels, agriculture, and manufactured products. The river is also highly important to recreation, with many parks, marinas, and trails along its course.
The Red River is another important tributary of the Mississippi, and the second-largest tributary by volume. The river begins in the Texas Panhandle and flows east into Oklahoma before entering the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Red River has been an important source of water for indigenous tribes in the region for over a thousand years. Today, the Red River valley is home to some of the largest cities in the southern United States, such as Shreveport, Louisiana. The river is also an important source of commerce and recreation, and supports an abundance of fish and wildlife.
The Wisconsin River is a tributary to the Mississippi River in northeastern Minnesota. It is just over 350 miles long and is an important source of water for the region. The Wisconsin River Basin has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, and was explored by French explorers in the 1700s. The Wisconsin River supports a variety of wildlife, including muskellunge and lake sturgeon. The river is home to popular parks and recreational activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
The Tennessee River is a major tributary to the Mississippi River, flowing for 652 miles from its source near Knoxville, Tennessee to its delta in the Mississippi near Memphis, Tennessee. The Tennessee River and its tributaries form a huge watershed covering parts of six states and is an important source of drinking water and transportation. The river is home to an abundance of aquatic life and recreational activities, such as fishing, camping, boating and swimming.
Importance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important part of the American identity, with rich history, culture, and commerce all associated with the river. As the second longest river system in the United States, it serves as an important transportation route for goods and is a source of agricultural and industrial water. The Mississippi River is home to an abundance of wildlife and supports a variety of recreational activities. In addition, it is the economic engine for several states in the Midwest and the South, with businesses and municipalities relying on the river for their livelihoods.
The many rivers that flow into the Mississippi make it what it is today. From the heavily trafficked Missouri River, to the meandering Tennessee, to the fish-filled Wisconsin, each river plays an important role in maintaining the Mississippi’s health. This is why it is important for people to be aware of the condition of the rivers. People should be mindful of how their own activities can affect the river and its tributaries, and work to reduce water pollution and preserve the natural beauty of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact
The rivers that flow into the Mississippi are important sources of water and habitat for a variety of species, so it is important to be aware of the impact that human activities can have on the river. Over the past few decades, pollution has become a growing concern in rivers and streams all over the world. This can be attributed to agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge, which contains fertilizers and chemicals that can have an adverse effect on the water’s quality.
Human activities can also have a direct impact on the river’s wildlife. The destruction of wetlands and other habitats, as well as hunting and fishing, can harm the native species that call the Mississippi River home. Additionally, the introduction of non-native species such as Asian Carp can damage the native ecosystem by reducing the number of plankton, which is an important food source for many species.
Initiatives for conservation
The conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is an ongoing process, and there are many initiatives in place to ensure the river’s long-term health. For example, the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program works to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution in the watershed, while the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee works to conserve and restore the river’s native biodiversity.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also taken action, establishing the Mississippi River Collaborative in 2011. The Collaborative is a group of organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring the river’s health. It brings together state and local agencies, as well as non-profits, industries, and private citizens, to work together towards the common goal of creating a more sustainable Mississippi River.
Conclusion
The rivers that flow into the Mississippi River, such as the Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, Red River, Wisconsin, and Tennessee Rivers, all play an integral role in the functioning of the Mississippi itself. In order to ensure the health and longevity of the river and its tributaries, it is important for people to be aware of the impacts of their activities and to be proactive in taking steps towards protecting the river and its wildlife.
