The Mississippi River is known as the second-longest river system in the US and is the chief river of the second-largest drainage system in the United States. The river rises in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows south for 2,202 miles to the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. With a total length of over 3,000 miles, the river is shared by 10 US states and two Canadian provinces.
The four states that the Mississippi River touches are Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Louisiana has the longest portion of the Mississippi River that is 1,062 miles long, running from the Gravelly Ford near Simmesport to the Louisiana-Mississippi border.
Mississippi has the second-longest portion of the river, which is approximately 413 miles long. In Mississippi, the river begins at the Louisiana border and stretches to the northeast, where it passes through the state’s capital Jackson.
The state of Arkansas is connected to the Mississippi River by a 261-mile-long segment that begins at the confluence of the White and St. Francis Rivers near Gillham. From there, the Mighty Mississipi progresses southwards near Memphis and ends near Helena-West Helena.
The last state on the river is Tennessee. This state has the smallest portion of the Mississippi River, comprised of 172 miles that begin at Tiptonville and end at the Hernando de Soto Bridge, near Memphis.
The Mississipi River is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. According to experts, more than one-third of the endangered and threatened species in the US are found along the Mississippi River watershed. Additionally, the aquatic wildlife native to this ecosystem includes more than 220 species of fish, mussels, turtles, and other wildlife species.
The river also serves as a transportation route for different markets and businesses. The river is navigable by large vessels up to St. Louis, after which the passage is too shallow and the river flow is too swift for barges. A few hundred miles upstream from St. Louis, the river is used to move grain and other cargo to ports located across the US. Similarly, many barges move oil and other cargo along the waterways towards several cities in Texas and the Gulf.
In a knowledge-sharing exchange between Canadian provinces and US states, the Mississippi River plays a major role in connecting citizens across borders. Travelers to the US Mississippi River states can take advantage of the Mississippi River Cruise Line, a seven-day voyage that takes them through selected destinations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Along the way, participants can explore historic and cultural sites, visit US National Parks, and spend time in charming communities and cities on the riverside.
History of Mississippi
The Mississippi River watershed is a vast geographical region that covers over 40 percent of the United States. The history of the river goes back centuries, when Native Americans of the Midwest used the Mississippi River for transportation, commerce, and sustenance. Across generations, the river has been an integral part of the lives of many people.
More recently, since the 19th century, the Mississippi River has been a source of transportation, industry, entertainment, and natural beauty. In the early 1800s, steamboats revolutionized the shipping and transportation industry of the Mississippi River. This revolutionized travel and commerce to the whole region, opening up more markets to the region and creating cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans along the river.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, Mississippi River states became tourist attractions for people of across the United States. The region was seen as escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and soon enough, the area’s charm earned it the title “the Mississippi of America”. This drove the tourism industry in the area, and since then, many casinos, resorts, and theme parks have been established in the area, offering vacationers and locals alike plenty of entertainment.
The Mississippi River today is the economic lifeblood of the region. Countless industries, businesses, and communities depend upon the river for transport and sustenance. For this reason, conservation and preservation efforts of the river have always been a priority of the US states as they strive to balance economic development while preserving the region’s Heritage.
Environmental Concerns
The large size of the Mississippi River’s drainage basin exposes it to the widespread effects of human activities and climate change. Consequently, the river is endangered by water pollution caused by agricultural runoff, industrial and urban expansion, commercial shipping, and other human activities.
More recently, decreased rainfall in the Midwest is causing parts of the Mississippi to experience water level drops and record droughts. This affects the river’s ecosystems, affecting animals, plants, and habitats along the river.
To combat climate change, the US has created numerous initiatives to preserve the Mississippi River, such as the Mississippi River Network, a project working with partners to develop management solutions to restore and protect the Mississippi River. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental Protection Agency have also designed projects to protect and preserve the River, such as floodplain and wetland restoration.
To protect ecosystems, wildlife, and people, the US government has funded multiple initiatives to monitor the Mississippi River, restrict pollutants, and protect the river banks. Citizens and companies along the river must comply with certain regulations, such as having certain levels of water quality and fishing restrictions.
Cultural Significance
Given its length and rich history, the Mississippi River has been an important part of many cultural traditions, stories, and artworks. For example, musicians have composed songs about the river and its significance in generations of people’s lives. Authors have written novels, poems, and short stories about the river and its enormous presence in the people’s psyche.
In the Mississippi region, arts and culture are a major economic source, and the riverfronts have become hubs of cultural activities. Theaters, art galleries, music festivals and other events have attracted tourists and locals alike to the region over the years.
The Mississippi River also acted as the inspiration for the Mississippi Blues Trail, a tourist trail established in 2008 in honor of the cultural legacy of the Mississippi River. The trail includes dozens of historical markers and sites about the Mississippi region’s blues music and history, stretching from the valleys of the Ohio River in Kentucky to the sunny beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River has historically been an important waterway for connecting different communities around the US and Canada. It’s emerged as the most prominent symbol of the US’s natural history and a source of wonder, inspiration, and knowledge to its citizens.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts have become a major initiative on the US’s part to protect the Mississippi River. Several non-profits have been set up to raise awareness and funds to protect this vital water source.
The Mississippi River Alliance is a conservation organization that works to protect, restore, and revitalize the river. The organization is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers, professionals, and supporters that works to raise awareness, funds, and resources to protect the Mississippi River.
Additionally, the Conservation Fund is a national non-profit organization working to protect nature and to create clean drinking water for all. The Fund works to ensure that enough acreage of the river and its downstreams remain available to provide ample recreational opportunities and preserve the natural beauty of the Mississippi River.
In recent years, citizens have also taken up the mantle of preserving and protecting the river. In response to the dangers posed by climate change and industrial pollution, citizens have joined in initiatives to clean up the water, protect wetlands, and raise awareness around the importance of the Mississippi River.
A Symbol of Change
For centuries, the Mississippi River has been an integral part of the culture, economy, and history of the US. It has acted as a waterway for exploration, trade, and transportation and is home to a diverse ecosystem that sustains its wildlife and nearby communities.
Over its long history, the Mississippi River has witnessed tremendous changes both in terms of commerce and environment. It has played a major role in the growth and development of the United States, and continues to be a symbol of change.
The US states connected to the Mississippi River are a testament to the beauty of the natural world. Each of these states offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience, be it in its culture, music, cuisine, or simply exploring the vast and powerful river itself.
