The mighty Mississippi River stretches for more than 2,300 miles from its source in Northern Minnesota to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. From bustling cities to sleepy towns, the Mississippi River has shaped the country and its regions for centuries. From the South to the Midwest and even parts of the South, some states in the U.S. share a common border with the alluring Mississippi River.
The state of Minnesota shares the biggest part of the Mississippi River border, measuring at a length of 568 miles with the Minnesota portion of the river being 619 feet above sea level. Across the water, Wisconsin shares the same border with its portion of the river covering an area of 118 miles.
Moving further south, Iowa and Illinois have the largest sections of the Mississippi River bordering 226 miles and 246 miles respectively. Most of the river’s meanders stopping just before the Wisconsin and Missouri borders. Small sections of Missouri’s border remain intact with their portion of the river measuring 12 miles.
As the Mississippi River curls around the bottom of Illinois, it cuts through the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, covering 74 miles of Tennessee compared to only 44 miles for Kentucky. Both states alike, offer a serene and picture perfect landscape with farmlands and old settlements.
As the river takes its final turn, it enters the state of Arkansas, winding closely to the western border of Mississippi and Louisiana. Its stretch of 148 miles is the second longest, resembling the state’s agricultural form. Concluding the mighty journey, an important 356-mile stretch of the Mississippi River splits Louisiana and Mississippi with its entrance near Baton Rogue and exit at the Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River experience has not always been a peaceful journey. For years, the state borders have been affected by excessive pollution and human interference that travel down the river and ultimately enter the Gulf of Mexico. This is evident from the large amount of nutrient pollution present in the Gulf, resulting in state border lands constantly changing landscapes as well as erosion of waterside forests and habitats.
In order to reduce the impact of this pollution and to preserve the Mississippi River region for its resources, environmental groups and the United States government have invested in numerous initiatives to reduce runoff and agricultural sources of pollution.
Some of the initiatives include watershed protection plans, state-mandated best management practices such as buffer strips and terraces, material conservation programs, and wetland restoration. From providing education to coastal communities to implementing regulations, state borders have made multiple efforts to ensure that Mississippi River is safe and healthy for generations to come.
Recreation
The Mississippi River has become an attraction for thousands of tourists, recreational boaters and for many locals who visit to bask in the beauty of the riverside. In particular, the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Midwest offer some of the best amenities for recreational river enthusiasts. With campgrounds, opportunities for fishing and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, these states provide great opportunities for travelers and locals to explore, reconnect and engage with the Mississippi River.
For example, the state of Illinois offers visitors and locals river camping, as well as biking and hiking paths on the Mississippi River to better enjoy and explore its beauty. Not to mention, counties such as Alexander County, one of the most popular in the region, provide small towns and communities to enjoy, as well as boat launches and large riverside parks.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River has not only left an impact on the environment and recreation, but has also become a vital source of water, benefits and resources for the states that it borders. From Minnesota to Louisiana, the Mississippi River provides an ample supply of fresh water essential to farming and industrial activities.
Additionally, the Mississippi River and its bordering states have been the primary supplier of navigation of water-based commerce and transportation from the port of Minneapolis to the Gulf of Mexico. This transportation has enabled economic growth and prosperity for thousands of living and bordering communities.
For this reason, various states have taken initiatives to improve navigation, reduce soil loss and promote ecosystem services. The US Army Corps of Engineers, for example, has accelerated numerous projects throughout the region to enhance locks, dams and accesses along the river to reduce navigation difficulties, keep navigation lanes open, increase water level and reduce soil erosion.
Mississippi River System
When exploring the Mississippi River we often forget about the river’s tributaries, those that contribute additional water from local sources. Together, the Mississippi River system covers more than 1,250,000 square miles across 31 states, 10 of which border the Mississippi.
From the Missouri River in the Great Plains of Montana and the West to the Arkansas River in Arkansas and Oklahoma to higher more southern tributaries such as Red and Ohio River, these tributaries not only serve as important sources of water, but also serve as powerful economic and leisure sources for states in the region.
Social Impact
For centuries, the Mississippi River has served not only as an important water source but has also had a great impact on American culture and historic events. From ancient Native American settlements to important Civil War and civil rights landmarks, the river has served as a canvas to illustrate events in American history.
For this reason, the states that border the Mississippi River have become popular tourist destinations, with many American states turning to the Mississippi’s banks for a respite or vacation destination. Popular attractions such as the Natchez Trace Parkway and the great Great Smokey Mountains draw thousands of visitors each year.
The Mississippi River has become a symbol of strength and resilience for local communities, demonstrating the people’s ability to preserve and protect an important natural resource. Communities from Mississippi to Minnesota are grateful for the unique opportunities that the Mississippi River provides, and continuie to preserve it for generations to come.
Conservationism
As states along the Mississippi River continue to be some of the most populated states in the country, the need to protect and conserve the Mississippi River’s environment and resources is more important than ever before.
For this reason, the state governments have banded together to continue-on initiatives to prevent erosion, reduce sedimentation and improve the health of the Mississippi River. Through investments in conservation projects, these states are protecting the Mississippi River and its watersheds from excessive runoff, agricultural run-off and industrial pollution. In addition, special strategies are also being utilized to minimize other problems such as shoreline erosion, habitat destruction and flooding.
From the great lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, civic organizations and state governments are collaborating to secure better environmental standards and to conserve the properties surrounding the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
While the Mississippi River has brought with it many challenges, it has also provided numerous opportunities. From providing important resources to local communities and businesses to recreational activities and tourism destinations, the states along the Mississippi’s border have become well-connected and unified in their efforts to preserve and protect the resources it provides.
The Mississippi River has certainly played an important role in this country’s history and will continue to shape the landscape for generations to come.
