The mighty Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States, the largest in the country by volume, and second-longest by length. It is the drainage basin of thirty-one US states and two Canadian provinces. It is a vital source of transportation, power, and recreation for many Americans. But what states border the Mississippi River on the east?
Historically, the east side of the Mississippi River has been bordered by six states: Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Of these states, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Missouri border the river for most of its length, while Tennessee and Illinois border the river only for small stretches. In total, the east shore of the Mississippi River is 2,540 miles long.
The east shore of the Mississippi River is home to numerous cities that have become renowned across the United States. These include Memphis, Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; and Joliet, Illinois. Each of these cities has its own unique history, culture, and attractions, making them popular tourist destinations.
The Mississippi River has many tributaries, the largest of which on the east side is the Ohio River. The Ohio River serves as the main transportation and recreational artery of the east coast of the Mississippi River. The Ohio River is also an important source of drinking water and energy production for numerous communities in the region.
The east side of the Mississippi River has an intriguing cultural history. A wide variety of cultural influences, from African American to European American to Native American, have been assimilated by local communities. One of the most recognizable cultural aspects is the musical legacy of the Mississippi Delta blues which originated along the Mississippi River in the early 20th century. People from across the United States, and even from abroad, visit the area to experience this unique musical heritage.
Though the Mississippi River on the east has been extensively altered by human activity, it still remains a vital part of the natural landscape of the region. The east banks of the Mississippi are home to several endangered species and are protected by the United States, including the top-endangered species such as the Pallid Sturgeon and the Higgins’ Eye Pearly Mussel. Additionally, the east side of the Mississippi River is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
Recreational Activities
Just like the west side of the Mississippi River, the east side of the mighty river provides numerous recreational activities for locals and visitors alike. From fishing, swimming, and boating to camping and hiking, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the river. In addition, the east side of the Mississippi River contains a wealth of historic sites such as plantation homes, historic buildings, and other fascinating artifacts of early Americana.
The east side of the Mississippi River is also home to several state and national parks, offering a great opportunity for visitors to experience nature amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Popular parks include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tupelo National Wildlife Refuge in Tennessee, Arkansas Post National Memorial in Arkansas, Natchez Trace National Parkway in Mississippi, and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota.
On the north end of the east side of the Mississippi, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers visitors unparalleled canoeing, camping, and fishing opportunities. The majestic scenery and pristine waters make this area one of the top attractions in the region.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River on the east side has long been an integral component of the US economy. For generations, commercial fishing, shipping, and other industrial activities have been key economic drivers along the river. In addition, the cities along the east side of the Mississippi River–Memphis, Little Rock, Natchez, Baten Rouge, St. Louis and Joliet–are important centers for commerce and culture.
As the population along the east side of the Mississippi River continues to grow and the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, the economic importance of the region is only likely to increase. This has important implications for economic development and job growth in the region. In particular, the increasing demand for energy combined with the increase in recreational activities provide opportunities for the development of renewable energy and tourism-related industries.
Environmental Concerns
The east side of the Mississippi River faces a number of environmental challenges. A wide variety of industrial and farming activities have resulted in the contamination of water and land with various pollutants, including fertilizer runoff and heavy metal contamination. In addition, the region has experienced a significant decline in fish and aquatic wildlife populations due to the effects of pollution, over-fishing, and residential development. Furthermore, climate change has resulted in an increase in extreme weather events, such as flooding, which have threatened the livelihoods of numerous communities along the Mississippi.
In light of these environmental concerns, a variety of organizations have come together to work collaboratively to find solutions to the environmental issues plaguing the Mississippi River. These efforts include advocacy and education initiatives, as well as research and monitoring programs. The goal of such efforts is to ensure that the Mississippi River remains a healthy and vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River on the east is an iconic river in the United States and vital to the economic and cultural life of many communities. As the economic and environmental issues facing the region continue to grow, the importance of protecting this precious resource becomes ever more clear. It is essential that we continue to work together to protect the east side of the Mississippi River for future generations.
