Located in the center of the North American continent, the Mississippi River cuts through 10 American states, all classified as being east of the river, except for one. This lone state, Minnesota, is the only state that is bordered both east and west by the river, making it the only state that is both east and west of the Mississippi. All of the other states are to the west of the Mississippi River.
Half of the United States can be found on the other side of the Mississippi. The states that are located to the west of the river are Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arkansas. Spanning from the very north of east-central Canada all the way to the Louisiana-Texas border, these states have a variety of geographical features, climates, and populations.
Standing at 2,202 miles long, the Mississippi is the second-longest river in North America, and its history is both long and winding. Stretching from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in the northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, this great river passes through the heart of the United States.
Being such a long river, the Mississippi River serves many useful functions. It is used for transportation and is an important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The Mississippi also provides drinking water for millions of people and plays an important role in the area’s agriculture.
Also a matter of note, the Mississippi is sometimes referred to as the “Father of Waters” because it plays such a vital role in the culture and economy of the surrounding states. Many of the states that the river flows through have cities and towns that were built around the fertile floodplains of the Mississippi, allowing the locals to benefit from the natural resources of the area.
Due to the many different features and services the river provides, it is no surprise that the states located on either side of the Mississippi are some of the most important and heavily populated in the country. States such as Missouri and Arkansas are home to some of the most vibrant cities in the United States, such as Kansas City and Little Rock, respectively. Other states along the river are also economically and culturally important for their citizens and the country as a whole.
Industry
The states that are located along the banks of the Mississippi River have become important industrial hubs over the years. Major industries like oil, steel, agricultural commodities, and lumber are all major players in the economies of these states. Notable companies like Anheuser-Busch and Cargill also call these states home.
The river itself is an integral part of the industrial operations that take place in the states surrounding it. The Mississippi is much more than just a natural resource; it is an important trade route, allowing goods to travel up and down the river without having to clear customs, greatly reducing the cost of transportation.
The port of New Orleans is one of the most important river ports in the country. It is home to a large number of warehouses, terminals, and processing centers, making it an important entry point for goods from all around the world, as well as a major source of employment in the region.
The flourishing transportation and logistics industry in the region has been one of the major factors in the economic development of the states located to the west of the Mississippi. A well-developed and efficient transportation network, coupled with the geographical advantages of the river, have helped bring about tremendous economic growth for these states.
Culture and History
The Mississippi also has an important cultural significance for the states it flows through. Many historic events, such as the Louisiana Purchase, took place along its banks, and it is an important element in the cultural identity of the region.
Major cities located on the banks of the Mississippi, such as Memphis and New Orleans, are important cultural centers. They are known for their music, cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, as well as being a major tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.
The Mississippi is also a major topic of literature and film. Authors like Mark Twain and the band Big Star both have songs dedicated to the river, and films such as Mississippi Burning and O Brother, Where Art Thou? were all set in the Mississippi Valley.
The diverse culture and history of the states to the west of the Mississippi contribute to making the region an important part of American history, culture, and identity.
Economy
The economy of the Mississippi Valley is directly dependent on the river and the states it runs through. Agriculture is the main source of income for many of the states, with industries such as timber, livestock, and steel also playing an important role in the area’s economy.
The Mississippi is also a major source of energy and irrigation for the region. Its vast network of dams and locks allow for the transportation of commodities and supplies that fuels the area’s economy.
Other industries such as tourism, service, and manufacturing are also key factors in the economic landscape of this region. Tourism is particularly important, as the Mississippi is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
The States of Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arkansas are all important contributors to the American economy, and the Mississippi River plays a major role in its success.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River also has a major impact on the environment of the states it flows through. It is a major source of drinking water, and its wetlands and floodplains are important habitats for many species of birds and fish.
However, the Mississippi is also prone to flooding, which can lead to environmental damage in the form of soil erosion, loss of habitat, and contamination of drinking water sources. The construction of dams and levees has helped to mitigate some of these effects, but the Mississippi remains a vulnerable system in terms of the environment.
The states located to the west of the Mississippi have some of the most polluted rivers in the United States, a fact that is having a major impact on the environment of the states that rely on the river for their water supply.
At the same time, the states along the river are home to many species of endangered and threatened plants and animals. Conservation and restoration projects are being undertaken to protect these species and their habitats.
Conclusion
The 10 states that are located to the west of the Mississippi River form an important part of American geography and culture. From an industrial and economic perspective, the Mississippi serves as a major source of income and employment for the region, while its importance to the environment is also undeniable.
The states surrounding the Mississippi provide an important window into the American way of life, and its significance for the United States as a whole is hard to ignore.
