Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States. Spanning over 2, 320 miles in length, the Mississippi River flows through 10 states, forming part of the borders of each one. From south to north the 10 states that touch the Mississippi River are Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each state has different laws and regulations regarding the river use, taxation and environment.
Louisiana
The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, and flows south to the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. Louisiana is the only state in which the river forms its majority of the Western border and most of the southern border. The main tributaries of the Mississippi River in Louisiana are the Red River, the Atchafalaya River, and the Ouachita River. The Mississippi River in Louisiana is host to a rich aquatic life and serves as a major roadway for ships and barges.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, two thirds of the state’s western border is composed of the Mississippi River. Because of the vital importance of the river to the state’s economy, extensive environmental regulations have been put in place in order to protect the river’s fish life, water quality and other aquatic life. Despite the precautions, the river still sustains the states shipping industry, and water-related recreation sites attract to visitors year round.
Tennessee
The section of the river that flows through Tennessee is known as the Mississippi embayment. It is the fourth longest in the United States, covering an area of 20,000 square miles. The main tributaries that flow into the Mississippi in Tennessee are the Obion River, the Tennessee River, the Wolf River and the Cumberland River. The major dam on the Mississippi in Tennessee is the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway that links Pickwick Lake to the Gulf Coast.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the Mississippi River forms part of the Eastern border of the state. The amount of rainfall in Arkansas has a great influence on the Mississippi River with more rain leading to more flooding. Due to the influence of the Mississippi River, the state has become a major hub for agricultural production. Major tributaries of the Mississippi in Arkansas include the Arkansas River, the St Francis River, the White River and the Red River. The main dam on the Mississippi in Arkansas is the Mississippi Valley Division.
Missouri
The stretch of the Mississippi River in Missouri is known for its diverse ecosystems and its huge economic impact on the state. It is the longest state boundary of the Mississippi and forms the eastern border of the state. The main tributaries that flow into the Mississippi in Missouri are the Missouri River, the Des Moines River and the White River. The most important dam on the Mississippi in Missouri is the Missouri River Lock and Dam.
Illinois
The Mississippi River in Illinois forms the border between the state and Iowa and creates a unique environment, with wetlands, floodplains and a variety of aquatic species. The main tributaries that flow into the Mississippi in Illinois are the Illinois River, the Kaskaskia River, the Big Muddy River and the La Moine River. The most important dam on the Mississippi in Illinois is the LaGrange Lock and Dam.
Kentucky
The portion of the Mississippi River that runs through Kentucky is relatively short and forms the state’s western border. There are many wetlands and swamps in this region of the Mississippi which provide important spawning and feeding grounds for many species of fish. The main tributaries of the Mississippi in Kentucky are the Ohio River and the Tennessee River. The most important dam on the Mississippi in Kentucky is the Kentucky Lock and Dam.
Iowa
The Mississippi River in Iowa forms the eastern border of the state and the most important tributary is the Iowa River. The Iowa River is host to a rich fish life and recreation sites. The most important dam on the Mississippi in Iowa is the Jimmy Simmons Lock and Dam.
Minnesota
The Mississippi River in Minnesota is the northernmost part of the river, where it forms the border with Wisconsin. The Upper Mississippi River is home to a wide variety of birds, fish, and other forms of aquatic life. The main tributaries of the Mississippi in Minnesota are the St. Croix River, the Minnesota River, and the White River. The most important dam on the Mississippi in Minnesota is the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam.
Wisconsin
The stretch of the Mississippi River flowing through Wisconsin is the northernmost part of the river. It flows along Wisconsin’s western border and forms its northernmost point, where it meets the St. Croix River. The Mississippi River in Wisconsin is home to over 75 species of fish and other aquatic species. The most important tributary in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin River, which flows into the Mississippi at the Wisconsin Dells. The only dam on the Mississippi in Wisconsin is the West Minneapolis Lock and Dam.
Uses and Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is both an environmental and economic asset for the 10 states that it passes through. Every year, the water from the Mississippi River is used to irrigate thousands of acres of farmland and to support numerous industries. The river is also used for transportation, carrying shipping vessels in and out of the inland ports that are located along the banks of the Mississippi. In the 10 states it passes through, the Mississippi River generates billions of dollars in revenue and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital lifeline for many species of birds, fish, and other aquatic life. However, the river has also suffered from years of pollution, much of which has been caused by human activity. To combat this, conservation efforts have been put in place in all 10 of the states that the Mississippi River passes through.
Regulations and Taxation
The Mississippi River is governed by several laws and regulations that are put in place in order to protect it from harm. These laws vary from state to state and regulate how the river is to be used. In addition, some of the states that the Mississippi River flows through also impose additional taxes on activities related to the river, such as fishing and water transportation.
Conclusion of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important waterway that connects 10 states, providing them with invaluable resources and economic opportunities. While the river is subject to numerous regulations and taxes, it also serves as an essential source of life and sustenance, providing food and shelter to the millions of people who live and work in the area. By protecting the river, we can ensure its continued prosperity for future generations.
