Crossing the Mississippi River
It is no surprise that the Mississippi River has been an important river for centuries, playing a major part in the communication, transportation and even the social fabric of many areas. It is largely seen as one of the most powerful rivers in the world, meandering through the heart of the United States and providing a lifeline to many communities both rural and urban. Despite its import, there are a variety of methods of crossing the mighty Mississippi, allowing people to traverse its sometimes murky depths.
The most common means of traversing the Mississippi River is by the use of bridges and ferries. Bridges are a constant throughout the river, oftentimes stretching for miles and covering multiple states. There are more than a hundred bridges located along the Mississippi, providing a direct route to the other side of the river. One historically famous bridge is the Suburban Bridge located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Suburban Bridge, also known as the Poplar Street Bridge, is one of the oldest bridges in the United States, having been built in 1874.
Ferries have been used since colonial times as an alternative means of transport across the river. While bridges have become more utilized, ferries can sometimes still be found in certain rural areas or at crossings that are not as heavily traveled. The longest running ferry service on the Mississippi is the Snow’s Ferry service which has been operation since 1833 and is currently located in Reserve, Louisiana.
Boats are a popular method of crossing the Mississippi as well, with paddlewheelers being one of the earliest boats to navigate the river. While these are less common today, most crossings can be made by normal vessels, although caution must be taken when crossing due to the extreme currents that can be seen along the Mississippi. Additionally, almost all of the locks, dams, and other control aspects of the river would have to be navigated.
Due to the nature of the Mississippi, there are many other forms of crossing the river, including smaller makeshift bridges, tunnels, and even the occasional tightrope. Despite all of the possibilities, it is still important to be aware of the inherent danger and caution should be taken when traversing. The Mississippi River has a multitude of stories and secrets, with major cities and cultures built upon its infamous banks and dangerous depths.
Landmarks Along the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to many famous landmarks that can be seen from its vast banks. From the towering figure of the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, MO, to the hustle and bustle of the port city of New Orleans, LA, the river provides a variety of sightseeing experiences to all who view it.
Heading upriver into the Midwest, travelers can find themselves stopping by the home of Mark Twain located in Hannibal, Missouri. This small town looks as if it has been plucked from a historical novel, complete with a replica of Mark Twain’s childhood home perched up on a hill overlooking the Mississippi. Just a short hour’s sail will bring one to the confluence of the Ohio River and the Mississippi, where travelers can disembark and take in the spectacular view of this blending of two iconic rivers.
Farther along the Mississippi, past Memphis, Tennessee and on to Vicksburg, MS, lies the site of one of the most important Civil War battles fought in 1864. The city of Vicksburg is home to the National Military Park which preserves the location and history of the battle, as well as many other Civil War monuments, structures and stories.
Continuing on downriver, the Mississippi leads to yet another iconic city, Natchez, MS, the oldest city in the state. Natchez is home to a large selection of historical homes, remains from the Antebellum Era and an impressive view of the river from atop the Natchez Bluffs. Of course, the city of New Orleans sits at the mouth of the Mississippi, welcoming in ships of all sizes and ages, as it has done for centuries.
The Mississippi River is full of these majestic sites and more, ranging from small rural stories all the way up to the bustling cities of the south. All in all, the numerous ships that trudge through the Mississippi have the privilege of passing some of the most beautiful sites in the United States.
History of the Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi River has a long and rich history, with stories of shipwrecks, battles, societal uprisings and iconic landmarks. It has been home to many cultures, both Indigenous and settlers, with each culture leaving their own mark along the banks of this epic river.
The river has always been an important factor to those who live along its waterways. Since colonial times, it has been a major source of economy for the cities and towns bordering it. Fur trading, fishing, and agriculture were all linked to the mighty Mississippi, becoming gradually more important with the river’s innovation in steamboat travel in the 19th century.
Over the years, the river has seen its fair share of disasters, most notably the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. This flood caused nearly half a million people to evacuate their homes, contributing to the Great Depression. Additionally, there have been numerous shipwrecks, some of which came near to tragedy. The most famous of the river’s shipwrecks was the Sultana disaster in 1865, an event so devastating that it is still remembered today.
The Mississippi River is not only home to its own stories, but is home to those of the histories of many surrounding states, forming generations of ties and relations. With this said, the river remains an iconic figurehead for the entire region, standing as a representation of the power and beauty of the United States.
Wildlife of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. This wide variety of animals are essential to the health of the river, as well as an indicator of the general health of the ecosystems in the area.
Various species of fish, including the popular catfish, can be found in the Mississippi. These fish are a major food source for wildlife, with otters, raccoons, and bears all relying on them as a food source. Various birds including owls, eagles, and herons are also visible from the sides of the river. Waterfowl such as mallards, ducks and geese can also be seen along the banks of the river during the winter months.
Reptiles, such as turtles and alligators, can be found lounging in the river, taking refuge from the summer heat. Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders also inhabit the Mississippi River in large numbers, living off the morsels of food that the rushing waters provide.
The Mississippi is home to a rarely seen creature as well, one that has caused much speculation over the years: the river monster. Sightings and stories of a large, unknown creature have been reported for years, although most of the evidence has been written off as folklore. Despite this, many people remain curious and search the depths of the river in hopes of encountering this mysterious creature.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a vital part of American culture, both past and present. As one of the largest rivers in the world, it allows many different forms of transport to take place, all while providing stunning views and exciting rescues. Home to numerous landmarks, stories and creatures, it remains a vibrant part of the United States and its history.
