Geographical Landmarks
The Mississippi River is a major river in the United States. It is the second-longest river in the United States and its source is Lake Itasca in Minnesota. It forms the continental divide between the US and Canada, and its drainage basin is the third largest in the US, covering 31 states and two provinces. It runs from Minnesota, through Arkansas, to Louisiana, stretching 2,346 miles, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River, also referred to as “Old Man River” or “Father of Waters” is a symbol of the American spirit. It represents movement, industry, growth, and exploration, and is not only an important asset to the economy, but also to the nation’s identity and heritage.
The majority of the original French colonists who arrived in the Mississippi Valley in the early 1700s were drawn by the river. Fur trading companies invested their efforts in the middle of the Mississippi River, and the resulting population centers which grew up river became the origins of some of the most famous cities in American history. Places like St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee owe much of their prosperity to the river.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River serves as an artery of commerce. Barge traffic on the river moves billions of dollars of commodities each year, including agricultural goods, fuels, and chemicals. The river is often likened to a “highway” because of its importance in moving goods from the Midwest agricultural heartland to the global market.
The Mississippi River also plays a significant role in the US’ environmental and ecological resources. It is home to hundreds of species of fish, plants and birds, and its wetlands are important for migrating birds and for flood mitigation. The US has also identified significant stretches of the river as enclaves for recreational activities and preserving natural resources.
Touring the Mississippi River
For centuries, the Mississippi River has been a source of inspiration for artists, novelists, and movie makers. Today, the Mississippi River continues to attract a steady stream of tourists who seek to experience firsthand, the beauty of its landscapes, the wilderness and all its wonders.
Apart from the famous, scenic view of the Mighty Mississippi, travelers will find many opportunities to enjoy cultural and historical sites and activities. Among the popular stops on a Mississippi River cruise, visitors can find plantations, artists’ studios, wildlife reserves, jazz music, and legendary landmarks as well as unique attractions.
Dangers and Challenges
The Mississippi River faces a variety of challenges due to its size and interconnection with the rest of the US. These include flood control, pollution, and increasing water demand due to population growth and development.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has identified toxic pollutants in the Mississippi River and monitored the river for nitrates, industrial pollutants, and other hazardous waste. In addition, the impact of climate change is likely to make the river more vulnerable to catastrophic floods and to increase the number of invasive species.
Efforts for Preservation
The US is committed to preserving the Mississippi River for future generations. The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the river’s navigable channels and levees, while the Environmental Protection Agency works to reduce water pollution.
The US Interior Department’s National Park Service manages several stretches of the river as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, while Nature Conservancy and other conservation organizations have established sanctuaries along the river. In addition, state governments and other private initiatives are making efforts to preserve wetlands, to protect and restore areas along the river, and to enhance learning opportunities for river communities.
Yearly Celebrations
Each May, cities that border the Mississippi River celebrate its beauty and grandeur with events such as the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, the Mark Twain Festival, and the Boating For Change Race.
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway is a 2,069-mile journey parallel to the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, travelers can explore thousands of miles of history and take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating For Change, held annually in Mississippi, is a 60-mile timed race along the Mississippi River to raise money for the improvement of their cities and communities. Lastly, the Mark Twain Festival honors the beloved American author, who wrote about the river for much of his lifetime.
Innovations along the River
In recent decades, a number of innovative projects have been created along the Mississippi River. Perhaps the most notable is the Hathaway Lock and Dam, a jointly funded project between the US and Mexico which allows ships to travel more than 600 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to Minnesota without using costly custom networks.
The Mid-America Energy Port is an initiative designed to create a new energy pathway for the US. It is a multi-billion dollar project that will bring renewable energy sources and nuclear power generation to the region. Additionally, the Delta Regional Authority has worked with local communities to develop sustainable economic development projects, such as the Mississippi Valley Trade and Transportation Corridor, which seeks to facilitate economic growth and regional collaboration.
The Mississippi River has also seen the development of the RiverLab, a collaborative project between schools and research institutions. This laboratory strives to combine various disciplines such as science, engineering, architecture, design, and art to stimulate new solutions to the challenges presented by the river.
Ongoing Research and Education
Various universities and research organizations have made the Mississippi River a major focus of their efforts. The River Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin’s La Crosse campus is one of the most prominent such efforts. It seeks to foster research, education and public outreach to increase knowledge of the river, its hydrology and its natural resources.
The University of Mississippi has also launched a Mississippi River-focused research and education program. The school is developing curricula and sharing experience on a variety of topics related to the river, such as the management of floodplains and river systems, ecological restoration, chemistry, engineering and business.
Other organizations are using the river as a venue to share their messages and raise awareness of the need for conservation. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Network, Living Lands and Waters, and the American Rivers Alliance have established conservation initiatives on the river, with the goal of protecting and restoring its habitats and promoting stewardship of the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of American history and culture. It has seen growth and change over the centuries, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and a venue for exploration. Although the river faces a range of challenges, it also provides an opportunity for innovative research, education and preservation efforts. From the Great River Road to smaller programs, the Mississippi River serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of protecting our environment.
