Location of the Headwaters
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching over 2,320 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It starts as a small stream, just a few feet at its source and expands to a width of almost two miles across. Lake Itasca is the traditional source of the Mississippi River and is located in a small section of northern Minnesota roughly 120 miles from the Canadian border. The lake itself is relatively small, with a surface area of just under 2,000 acres. The headwaters of the Mississippi River were designated as a National Park in September 1979 and are protected under federal law.
Tributaries of the Mississippi River
Similar to most rivers, the Mississippi River was created from the merging of two disparate tributaries. The first is the Mississippi Headwaters, which originates from the glacial Lake Itasca. The second is the Minnesota River, which is also a glacial-fed river and originates to the south and east of Lake Itasca. Other tributaries of the Mississippi include the Wisconsin, Missouri, and Arkansas Rivers. The merging of these rivers contributes to the size and scale of the Mississippi as it continues to grow as it progresses towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental Effects of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important and influential rivers in the world. The river provides key nutrients and enhances bio-diversity by creating marshes and wetlands, providing spawning grounds and habitats to the plethora of species that depend on the river to survive. The Mississippi River is not only vital to the environment of the surrounding areas, but also has had great economic, cultural, and social impact. It is one of the major navigation routes in the United States and provides livelihood opportunities to people who have chosen to settle in its watershed.
Human Impact
The Mississippi River is also one of the most heavily populated rivers in the world. The landmass of its watershed is home to 70 million people and is densely populated. This population has had a severe effect on the environment of the river. Pollution from cities and the agricultural activity along its banks is one of the most serious human made issues causing detrimental impacts on the river. This has lead to numerous conservation and reclamation projects, since the 1970s, in an effort to reduce the negative effects of human activities.
Cultural Significance
Aside from its physical size, the Mississippi River has had a great cultural significance for many years. The river is linked to literature, music, art and history and is reflected in these artistic works. It has been romanticized in literature and has been the inspiration for many iconic songs, such as “Ol’ Man River” by Hits of Arlen and Hammerstein. The river has also been an important symbol of freedom, most notably during the civil rights movement in the southern United States.
Role in History
The Mississippi River is one of the most heavily documented rivers in the world and has been mentioned in many historical accounts. The river has been a major trade route since the early 1800s, when it was known as the “Great River” and it was used extensively for shipping goods. It was also the site of many battles for supremacy over the water, including during the Civil War. The river has also played a major role in shaping the United States, from its exploration and settlement in the early 1800s to its impact on the agricultural and industrial development of the mid-west.
The navigability of the Mississippi has always been of immense importance to the formation of the United States. After its exploration and charting by early explorer French-Canadian, René Roberval, the Mississippi River was the main passage of goods, food and other supplies to various parts of the continental United States. In its time, the river was home to thousands of steamboats and ferries, creating a bustling human and economic infrastructure.
Current Role of the Mississippi River
Today, the Mississippi offers one of the few remaining inland water transportation systems in the United States and is vitally important to the economy of the region. It is used extensively for transporting barge freight, oil, and other materials from the headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, it is a major source of power for numerous hydroelectric projects along its banks and is used for recreational purposes, such as fishing and camping.
Natural Hazards on the Mississippi River
Though the Mississippi is still a major navigational route, it is susceptible to a number of potential hazards. The powerful flow of the river is capable of causing floods and damage to banks, levees, and other structures. In addition to floods, the river is prone to waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and dengue fever, due to its contamination by agricultural runoff. Temporal changes in water levels can also have a major effect on navigation and transport along the river, depending on the season.
River Conflict and Regulation
The regulation of the Mississippi has been a long and complex process due to the variety of stakeholders. In order to manage the flow of the river, the various states along its path have agreed on the implementation of river levees and dams to be used in case of flooding. However, certain stakeholders, such as farmers and commercial shippers, have opposed such measures and point to the increased cost of livelihood for businesses around the river. In addition, the Mississippi is subject to numerous judicial rulings based on Supreme Court documents and the rights and responsibilities of the numerous states along its path.
Protection of the Mississippi River
In addition to the measures taken to control the flow of the Mississippi, various organizations and agencies are also working to protect the river and its wildlife. There are numerous federal, state and non-profit agencies that have been formed to promote the conservation and sustainability of the Mississippi River. These organizations have been responsible for projects such as the Mississippi Fish Passage, which works to restore native fish species to the river, and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, which works to promote tourism and recreation on and along the river. In addition, there are numerous efforts to protect and restore the vast wetlands that make up the Mississippi River basin.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most influential rivers in the world and its importance to the United States cannot be overstated. Its Headwaters are located in the small state of Minnesota, which, along with the numerous states that comprise its watershed, are heavily populated with human life. The river supports a vibrant ecosystem and provides an economic and cultural foundation. Additionally, it is heavily regulated and protected, due to its environmental, economic, and social importance. The Mississippi River has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the United States and will undoubtedly remain so for many years to come.
