Mississippi River is the iconic longest river in United States stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana. Its role in the US history is undeniable. It was formed about 320 million years ago with the beginning of the Appalachian Mountains formation. The river was first discovered by French explorers in 1682 and was then named by Hennepin after the Mississippi Tribe. It is assumed that Native American communities living near the river had known it existed way before that but they never explored it.
The river has played a major role in the expansion of US, making the opening and establishment of various settlements in Mississippi Valley quite possible. Travelers and traders used boats in the early days to move goods and people, hence contributing to the economic development of the country. Throughout its existence, the river has been influential in the communication between the people around.
The 2,320 miles long river is also popular for its diverse wildlife, where over 250 species of birds, as well as other animals, inhabit the areas near it. Boating sports such as fishing, paddle boarding and canoeing are some of the activities that people do along the Mississippi.
Today, the Mississippi River plays an important role in US agriculture. The region around the river is used for producing cotton, grain, soybean and other important crops. The river also provides food, transportation and protection from floods.
Lew Bunch, a policy analyst, in his book ‘The Mississippi River History’ writes that, “The Mississippi River is an incredible symbol of many of our American values. It has served as a main artery of commerce, an inspiration to our literature, a path to new beginnings, and an untamed source of recreation.”
With its incredible length and depth, the Mississippi River has been crucial to the economic and historical development of countries in the Mississippi Valley. Despite its environmental challenges, the river continues to be an important source of inspiration, livelihood, and recreation.
Educational Impact
The Mississippi River has had a tremendous educational impact in the area. In many cities, urban institutions of learning such as schools, museums and research centers have sprung from the river. The Mississippi’s influence in every aspect of Americans culture, even before the age of exploration and travel, has made it inevitable that the river will continue to be a major educational beneficiary today.
Any education experience related to the river involves going beyond textbooks and into nature. The river is increasingly being used as an outdoor classroom with students walking alongside the river and learning about the basis of ecology and environmental impact. Along the way, they gain perspective on managing living resources and appreciate the value of keeping Nature’s balance.
The river’s rich biodiversity is highly conducive to learning. Learners are able to observe many ecological systems and diverse habitats but they should always be guided and protected by the educators. Reassuringly, recent studies have reported that those who have visited and learned along the river show greater understanding and appreciation of the river and their natural environment.
The Role of Art
Art has played a huge role in the Mississippi’s influence. A distinctive part of the river’s history is its creative environment, where a number art and cultural expressions were born. Many works of literature, films and music have been inspired by the river.
The power of literature and art in this era and age, cannot be underestimated especially for those growing up near the Mississippi River. Through literature and art, the area is exposed to a plethora of moral lessons regarding justice and respect, which are essential for their long-term personal development.
In addition, the presence of numerous art galleries and museums near the river have made these experiences always accessible to locals. Popular art works such as ‘Steamboat William’, ‘A Mississippi River’ and ‘New Orleans Scene’ are some of the many examples of the Mississippi’s role in inspiring art and culture.
Art has become intertwined with the Mississippi River narrative and as such, it serves to trigger emotions and inspire creativity among its local communities.
The Future of the River
The Mississippi River is at risk of being overharvested, polluted and abused by human’s activities and negligence. Climate change, which brings an array of tumultuous weather and disrupted fishing cycles, is a major challenge. Excessive chemical runoff and plastic pollution are other environmental issues that will affect the river’s quality of life in the future.
Fortunately, environmental organizations such as the Mississippi River Network, are creating new opportunities to protect, conserve and restore the river. To overcome the river’s environmental challenges, both local and federal governments should provide resources and funding to these organizations.
As of now, the Mississippi River remains an American treasure and the spirit of the people living and visiting it will endure. It will still bring joy and standing in awe, which is why we must work to protect and conserve it for many years to come.
Business Aspects of the River
The Mississippi River is a major trading hub in United States. It is the lifeline of USA’s economy, being the site for large scale shipping of goods and providing efficient transportation for necessary supplies. Utilizing the river to its full potential ensures greater profit for businesses owing to its well-stocked resources. It is also home to booming industries such as chemical and petroleum, with close proximity to many towns.
Agriculture remains the largest industry situated at the Mississippi River with primitive farming methods still practiced. Cotton, wheat, and corn are the main crops harvested while many small industries have sprouted along the river, such as fish markets and wood processing.
The Mississippi River is a great source of revenue generation as it is a major tourist destination as well. People come to the river to engage in activities such as fishing, boat tours and river cruises. Hotels, restaurants and shopping centres along the river generate significant revenues for the local economy.
The increasing recognition of the Mississippi River has made it a focal point in the growing recreational and boating industry in the US. This fact has naturally attracted several investors in the recent years. These investors create a platform to explore the massive potential of the river and to benefit from its incredible beauty.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River also serves as an essential link between people, land and communities and it is connected to the “Great Waters” of the world. It is home to many species of plants and animals, which is why its protection is crucial.
The river is affected by a variety of factors, including water pollution, invasive species, and over-fishing. Human activities are the main contributors to these issues. Industrial farms and factories have caused chemical runoff, while boats use the river to discard their wastes, which affects the water quality and balance.
Additionally, a variety of environmental organizations, such as the Mississippi River Network, are working to protect the river, ensuring their future endeavors will determine the river’s health and vitality for many generations to come. These organizations are also educating locals on how to reduce their own impacts on the river and how to prevent further harm.
We must all work together to protect the river from destruction and keep it running strong for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
