The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the United States, stretching for 2,320 miles. But surprisingly, it actually begins in northern Minnesota. In fact, the Mississippi River’s exact starting point is known as Lake Itasca, located in Minnesota’s Itasca State Park. The river is formed by the confluence of its primary tributaries, the Missouri and Ohio Rivers. It then flows south, widening and deepening along its journey, ultimately culminating in its very important delta, located near the southeastern portion of Louisiana.
Lake Itasca is just under two square miles in area and about 45 feet deep. It has been a source of water recreation and summer vacation for Midwesterners for years, especially those who live close by.
The lake’s outflow eventually emerges as a modest 28-foot-long stream. It is a sight that makes many people take a double take; it’s difficult to imagine this tiny, slow-moving waterway grows into the mighty river we all know. The outlet is a focal point of the park, and visitors can stand in its cold waters to determine the exact spot that marks the beginning of America’s most famous river.
Experts have estimated that the average water flow produces approximately 239,000 kilograms of water per second. Missouri and Ohio Rivers combine for it, but other tributaries such as the Minnesota, Des Moines, and Arkansas rivers are also relatively significant. As a result, the Mississippi River’s watershed covers 31 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and was home to millions of people in 2017.
As the Mississippi River heads south, it inflates to two miles in breadth in certain sections, forming the borders of 10 states. To this day, encompassing three million acres and 10,000 miles of shoreline, the river is still a major source of transportation, commerce and recreation throughout the region, including providing vital irrigation water for crops.
So, the Mississippi River, the fourth longest river in the United States and the second longest river in North America, begins in Lake Itasca in Minnesota. Its grand journey south continues to have a major influence on the culture, economy, and ecology of the area.
Secondary Sources of the Mississippi River
Though the vast majority of the Mississippi River’s water volume is generated by the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, there are a number of additional sources contributing to the river’s large flow. Also located in the Midwestern U.S. are the Minnesota, Des Moines, and Arkansas Rivers, all of which bring water from their own, smaller watersheds.
The Minnesota River begins in the Big Stone Lake, located along the border of South Dakota and Minnesota. The Minnesota River flows southwards until it meets the Mississippi River south of the modern city of Minneapolis. The Des Moines River, on the other hand, begins in northwest Iowa and winds southeast until its own confluence, located in southwest Iowa. These two rivers flows are generally seen as more stable than that of the Missouri and the Ohio.
The Arkansas River, with its headwaters located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is the Mississippi’s longest tributary by length. However, due to its slower pace, it contributes less to the Mississippi’s flow. Despite this, the Arkansas River is significant enough to necessitate inclusion when calculating the Mississippi’s total length, or “miles of waterways”.
The Mississippi River is also fed by several major rivers from the East Coast, with the most prominent being the Ohio River. Originating on the Eastern side of the Appalachian mountain range, the Ohio River is formed near Parkersburg, West Virginia and flows westward through Ohio and Indiana before reaching the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois. This tributary adds substantially to the Mississippi’s flow, often doubling the total water discharge in the early spring.
Though the Mississippi River is a natural waterway, it has been subject to human navigation since ancient times. Native Americans are thought to have used canoes and dugout boats to traverse the river, while Europeans deployed sloops and keelboats for transport when they arrived in the interior of the continent.
Towards the middle of the 19th century, steamboats began replacing canoes and shallow draft boats as the vessels of choice for river navigation. The advent of the steam powered paddlewheeler revolutionized the transportation industry and the Mississippi River in particular. This new form of vessel allowed for extremely efficient, and most importantly, reliable transportation along the length of the river.
One of the most significant contributions to the development of modern river navigation is the riverboat pilot. It is here, through the precise maneuvering of a river pilot, that the operation of these vessels occur. Pilots navigate the ever-changing currents of the Mississippi, navigating around islands and sandbars, without the benefit of GPS or other modern navigation technology.
Today, a variety of vessels travel the Mississippi River, including commercial cargo ships, fishing trawlers, pleasure craft and dredges. Government and private barges are still commonly seen during the summer months and military vessels can still be seen along the river, especially during times of national commemorations.
Pollution of the Mississippi River
Due to years of industrial runoff and wastewater discharge, the waters of the Mississippi River are now heavily polluted with various chemicals. This pollution affects the entire river’s water chemistry, from the deepest depths of the headwaters all the way to the delta. Such contaminants include arsenic, copper, lead, nitrates and phosphates.
The most serious form of contamination is the use of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizer. The runoff of these chemicals has lead to an overabundance of nitrogen and phosphorous in the river, resulting in eutrophication. This process causes an accelerated growth of aquatic plants, algae blooms, and other aquatic life. This can have devastating effects on the entire ecosystem of a body of water.
In addition to chemical contaminants, plastic pollution has also become a pressing issue in the river. Plastic fragments, microfibers, and more have been documented as far south as Louisiana, potentially leaching into the river itself and creating further environmental harm.
As an increasing contributor to climate change and heavy industrial contamination, the Mississippi River is in dire need of an environmental overhaul. As a particularly important artery of the United States and North America, the health of the river is of great importance, both to its inhabitants and to its surroundings.
Environmental Preservation Efforts
In recent years, various groups have taken up the mantle of cleaning up and preserving the Mississippi River. The most prominent of these is the Mississippi River Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the river and its surrounding ecosystems. The Fund is responsible for a number of initiatives, from the mapping and surveying of the river to the reestablishment of the Louisiana Oyster village.
In addition, a number of government initiatives have been put into place to reduce pollution in the river and its watershed. These include the implementation of the EPA Non-Point Source Pollution Plan and the establishment of a number of tributary/sub-watershed programs. These programs are intended to target non-point sources of pollution, such as runoff from paved or agricultural areas, and reduce their impacts.
On a more local level, a number of organizations are engaged in the direct restoration of the Mississippi. One example of such a group is the St. Croix River Association, which works to preserve clean water and biodiversity throughout the region. Their primary strategy is that of promoting responsible recreational use and sustainable river management.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River will remain an essential component of the American landscape and it is our responsibility to ensure that it remains a healthy and vibrant ecosystem for many years to come.
Native Species of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River supports a wide variety of species, ranging from aquatic to terrestrial. Fish found in the riverinclude bass, catfish, bluegill, and more. Also residing in the river are mussels, turtles, and alligators. The river is home to over 500 species of migratory birds, including egrets, ibis, roseate spoonbills, and the bald eagle.
The large mammals found in and around the river include deer, river otters, beavers, and mink. The river is also home to the endangered Louisiana black bear, which is found in the forests and swamps of the lower Mississippi River valley. The Louisiana black bear is the only bear species found in the Mississippi basin and is considered to be a keystone species in the region.
In addition to large wildlife, the Mississippi River is home to numerous other species, including the white-tailed deer, red fox, opossum, jackrabbit, and raccoon. The river is also home to a large number of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.
The Mississippi River is an important habitat not just for native species, but also for invading species. Invasive species, such as carp, bullfrogs, and zebra mussels, have all been documented in the river. Such species have negative impacts on native species, populations, and habitats, and often require stringent management programs in order to keep them in check.
Cultural Significance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been a major source of inspiration throughout American history. From Mark Twain’s classic writings to John F. Kennedy’s famous essay, the river and its cultural importance cannot be overstated. The Mississippi is a symbol of America’s power and progress. It is a source of goods, and a binding agent for a vast array of states and cultures.
For example, blues music in the United States has its roots in the river. Native-American tribes, and later on African Americans, found solace in the culturally diverse communities of the Mississippi’s banks. This cultural influence was then transported to the Northern regions of the United States, particularly by jazz and blues musicians.
The impact of the Mississippi River is also seen in modern literature. Many classic works, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, focus on the adventures of people living along its banks. Such works often highlight the importance of family, loyalty, and freedom, all of which are core parts of the American identity.
Today, the Mississippi River is a major tourist destination. Every year millions of visitors from around the world flock to its shores. From riverboat cruises to scenic drives and camping, the Mississippi is a popular destination for those looking for a taste of American culture. Such tourists contribute significantly to the economic health of the communities found along the River.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Mississippi River has been a significant part of the American landscape for centuries. From its source in northern Minnesota to its critical delta in Louisiana, the Mississippi plays a major role in the ecology, economy, and culture of the region. Its importance cannot be overstated, and it is our responsibility to ensure its health and viability now and in the future.
