The Mississippi River is an iconic river that has been the source of human inspiration, culture, and even beauty since the early ages. Spanning from the headwaters of Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi has been used for power, transportation, recreation, and the lifeblood of the area. With its rich history, the Mississippi River has impacted the lives of many who live near its banks, as well as people from all across the United States. While much of the original journey of the Mississippi River takes place in the southern states, the borders cross into ten states and is a major feature for the United States.
From its headwaters to its mouth, the Mississippi River is approximately 685 miles wide. This expanse of water is fed by the combined effort of 311 tributaries, several of which are major rivers that traverse into the Great Lakes region. This provides more than 1,630,000 square kilometres of combined water channel. The remarkable thing about the Mississippi is that it remains the same size and length throughout its entire journey.
The importance of the Mississippi River is hard to overstate. It is a major waterway in the United States and is the third-longest river in North America. The hydropower generated from the river has been used to power many of the cities located in the Midwest for over a century now. It’s a major transportation route for a variety of goods, from grain, fertilizer, and aluminum, to petroleum and steel. One of the major human considerations is that the watershed from the Mississippi River provides drinking water to over 20 million people.
From a recreational standpoint, the Mississippi is a haven for a variety of activities. Fishing, boating, water sports, and park recreation are all available. The vast number of tributaries add to the opportunities, as the area offers unique experiences for a variety of interests. As a commercial artery, it is estimated that the barges and other vessels on the river hauling goods and services, adds in excess of 70 billion dollars to the US economy.
The Unique Plant and Animal Life of the Mississippi River
Despite the fact that the Mississippi River’s environment is a result of human use, it is still teeming with wildlife. It is home to over 250 species of fish, including the endangered pallid sturgeon and the smallmouth buffalo. The birdlife of the river includes bald eagles, great blue herons, hermit thrushes and yellow-rumped warblers, among others. The vegetation of the Mississippi also provides a rich diversity, with rare and endemic plants such as the Great Plains buttercup, native marsh marigolds, American lotus, and narrow leaf water willow found only in this region.
Water pollution is a major issue that affects the Mississippi River, due to the overwhelming human use of the water. Nutrient run-off from the farmland is one of the primary causes of contamination of the river. Other sources of pollution include polluted stormwater runoff, sewage discharges, and industrial and agricultural runoff. Despite this, the river still remains a popular source of water for recreational activities.
The lives of people and animals in the Mississippi River basin are intertwined. The natural environment and its inhabitants have been supported for centuries by the bounty of the river. It is a unique ecological system that provides invaluable resources to its inhabitants and visitors alike.
The Long History Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is known for its rich history and has been a central figure in the development of the United States since its discovery by Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet in 1673. For centuries, the river has been a focal point of transportation, commerce and recreation. The history of the Mississippi River has seen it navigated by intrepid explorers, daring frontiersmen and emigrants heading west, and ultimately providing a pathway to the modern world.
Early exploration of the river began with Hernando de Soto in 1541, who first made note of the “Great River” while searching for the mythical fountain of youth. Early French settlers used the river as a trade route to the southern parts of the continent, and eventually the river was mapped by Marquette and Joliet in order to discover a route from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of the Mississippi River ultimately opened up a new world of economic and cultural opportunities.
The economy of the entire region was forever changed by the introduction of shipping and passenger vessels. As the river was gradually mapped and explored, it became a major thoroughfare for commercial vessels heading down to the Gulf of Mexico, thus providing access to the interior of the continent.
By the 19th century, the Mississippi River had become a major artery for trading and transportation. The steamboat was a major factor in this, as it enabled travel to become faster and more efficient. The river is also full of stories of famous riverboats that used its waters, ranging from the Huckleberry Finn to the Robert E. Lee. Railroads were eventually built alongside the river, linking St. Louis and New Orleans, which further opened up the region.
The Military Impact of The Mississippi River
The importance of the Mississippi River was unmistakable during the American Civil War, as both sides sought to gain control of the river and its tributaries. The Union was keen to gain control of the tributaries to prevent the transportation of food, troops, and supplies to the South. As a result, battles such as the Battle of Memphis, Vicksburg, and Fort Donelson all occurred in order to gain control of the Mississippi River, with the Union eventually winning many of them.
The Mississippi was also of major strategic importance during World War II. Hundreds of barges and small craft traveled the Mississippi in order to transport troops, weapons, and supplies to the European and Pacific theaters. After the war, it was estimated that the river had moved over 500,000 troops, 7 million tons of cargo, and 3 million tons of ammunition.
The conflict and cooperation between the North and South during the Civil War, and the strategic importance of the Mississippi River in World War II, are reminders of the essential role that the river has played in U.S. history.
The Various Emotional Responses To The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River elicits a variety of emotional responses from those who view it. For some, the river is a source of pride for having achieved an impressive feat in exploration, commerce, and transportation. For others, the river is a source of nostalgic beauty, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking sunsets.
For still others, the river calls to mind tragedy and sorrow, as it has been witness to some of the darkest times in the nation’s history. From the days of slavery and the struggles of civil rights, to the loss of life during the wars, the Mississippi is filled with a powerful and often heartbreaking history.
No matter how it is viewed, the Mississippi River is a part of America’s past, and it continues to shape the lives of those who live near its banks.
The Latest News and Innovations of The Mississippi River
Aside from its role in the past, the Mississippi River is also a player in the present and future. Recent news publications have centered on the latest innovations in navigation and navigation safety, as well as new research about flood prevention and management for the Mississippi River Basin. With the help of various federal and state agencies, governments, and public universities, the Mississippi River is seeing an upswing in new projects and research.
Recent changes to the topography and environment of the Mississippi River have prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make adjustments to their management strategies. The Army Corps of Engineers is one of the main agencies responsible for large-scale flood control projects along the length of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research into the effects of climate change on water systems such as the Mississippi River.
In addition to these topics, dialogues around transportation and commerce along the river are in the process of change. New high-speed barges on the river are being explored, as are improved infrastructure and navigational accommodations along the river corridor.
The Future Impact Of The Mississippi River
The future of the Mississippi River is vibrant, with the focus on the transformation of the entire region. Efforts are underway to enhance the river corridor, in order to make it more livable and attractive to potential businesses and residents. From new dining, shopping, and lodging, to cultural attractions, efforts are underway to enhance the Mississippi River’s historic charm and accessibility.
The future of the river is also tied in to the development of renewable energy sources. With the help of private and public entities, the Mississippi River has the potential to serve not only as a recreational and economic artery, but also as an energy generator from solar, wind, and hydroelectricity.
The Mississippi River has long been a part of human history and it has played a major role in the development of the region. Its impact can be still seen and felt today, and its importance will continue for generations to come.
As the river traverses its unique course, the possibilities for its future continue to expand. With its rich history and potential, the Mississippi River is set to be a major force in helping to shape the development of the future.
