The Mississippi River is one of the most landmark rivers in the United States, running a total of more than 2,300 miles and flowing through many different states. But where is the mouth of the Mississippi River? While Mississippi’s source might be harder to track down, its mouth is easy to locate.
The mouth of the Mississippi River is where it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico. This makes sense geographically as the Gulf of Mexico runs along Mississippi’s eastern border and it is the closest waterway, making it the natural outlet of the river. The river empties out into the Gulf 73 miles south-southeast of New Orleans, at a total of 455,000 cubic feet (13,000 cubic meters) per second, making it the fifth largest river in the world in terms of water discharge.
The Mississippi River Delta is an important part of the mouth of the river, since it is a huge flooding and deposition of sediment carried out by the river itself. The delta is the shape formed by the sediment and is shaped like a triangular fan or a bird’s foot – it is about 24 miles wide and charges about 16,000 cubic feet per second. It is made up of one of the largest wetlands in the world with marshy lands, swampy lands and brackish waters.
The Mississippi river also has an impressive catchment area of 1.245 million square kilometers, more than 900 watersheds and countless tributaries, making it the 4th largest watershed in the world. One of the most important streams that feed into the Mississippi is the Missouri River, which starts in the Rocky Mountains, flows through Idaho and Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and finally merges with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Contributing more than half of the flow to the Mississippi at an average of 360,000 cubic feet per second, it is one of the largest rivers in the world by volume of water flowing.
The presence of the mouth of the Mississippi River has had an impact throughout the history of the United States. For centuries the mouth of the river has been of great importance to the people of the region, from the early settlers to the modern day. It has been a form of transportation, a source of food and also a refuge from disasters. During the Great Flood of 1927, thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes and find safety near the mouth of the river.
This important area is also home to a unique range of wildlife. This includes birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. The diversity of this wildlife has made this area a valuable place for researchers and many wildlife reserves have been created to protect the animals living here. Many species of fish are found in the river, including wider varieties of catfishes and other larger fish such as paddlefish and gar. The Mississippi River Delta also serves as a wintering ground for more than 400 species of migratory birds.
Alongside its ecological importance, the mouth of the Mississippi River is also incredibly significant on a cultural level. The impact of the river is seen throughout the history of the region, with many cities built along the banks and across the delta, and many still relying on the river for commerce today. The port of the mouth of the Mississippi is the largest port in the US and is responsible for a huge amount of exported and imported goods each year.
Economic Impact of the Mouth of the Mississippi
The mouth of the Mississippi is of great importance to the US economy. Not only is the port found here responsible for a vast amount of cargo being shipped in and out of the US, it is also a major freight transportation hub. This is because of the presence of the levees in the region, which make the navigation of the river much easier. The presence of the port also encourages further industry and development in the surrounding areas, allowing for a bigger economic impact.
The area is also of relevance to the local tourism industry in Mississippi and surrounding states. The lower Mississippi is one of the most popular tourist draws in the area, offering a range of activities, sights and areas to explore. Cruises, riverboat tours, nature trails and more are all popular attractions and bring people to the area year-round.
The mouth of the Mississippi River is also important from an agricultural perspective. A vast amount of agricultural produce is produced here, and the river serves as a method of transportation for this produce, as well as for other freight and cargo.
The almost 2,500 square miles of wetlands, marshes and open-water areas found at the mouth of the Mississippi are also of great importance for fisheries. Large numbers of shrimps, crabs, oysters and fish are harvested in this region, keeping both local and national fisheries afloat.
Environmental Impact of the Mouth of the Mississippi
The environmental impact of the Mississippi River’s mouth is largely caused by man-made activities. This includes the building of dams, levees and other such structures, as well as dredging and the excavation of material from the river bed. This can have a significant impact on the river eco-system, leading to erosion and sedimentation, as well as changes to salinities and temperatures.
The other main environmental impact of the mouth and the lower Mississippi River is from pollution. Both pollution from industrial sources and runoff from nearby agricultural land can contaminate the water, leading to a range of environmental problems. Pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, chlorine and heavy metals can all have a negative effect on aquatic life and can also find their way into the estuaries and wetlands at the mouth of the Mississippi.
In recent years, much effort has gone into reducing the impact of the mouth of the Mississippi and its contribution to pollution. Various projects, both public and private, have been set up to try and improve the health of the river and reduce anthropogenic impact.
Historical Significance of the Mouth of the Mississippi
The mouth of the Mississippi River has a long history, and it has had significance to the Native American communities that long predate the founding of the US. It was also a major river for early French and Spanish explorers, and the region saw some of the early battles of the War of 1812.
The entrance to the Mississippi has also had an often contested history of traversal. This was especially the case during the 19th century, when it served as a major avenue for the United States to expand. The mouth of the Mississippi was also the location for a major battle of the Civil War, when Vicksburg was taken by Ulysses S. Grant.
The river also has significance to the Civil Rights Movement, as it was one of the routes freedom riders took to challenge segregation on public transport. The mouth of the Mississippi has also been a center point for many of the flooding and natural disasters that have occurred here such as hurricanes, the Great Flood of 1927, and the Battle of New Orleans during World War II.
Recreational Activities on the Mouth of the Mississippi
Since the mouth of the Mississippi River is such a natural tourist attraction, there are a wide array of recreational activities to be enjoyed in the area. Cruises and boat tours are a popular way to explore the Mississippi’s mouth, with many companies offering guided trips along the river and its tributaries. There are also fishing charters and camping opportunities available for those looking for a more adventurous experience.
The natural beauty of the Mississippi Delta is also a huge draw for visitors, with many taking part in hiking and biking trails, bird watching and visits to the nearby National Park. There are also plenty of great bars, restaurants, museums and cultural centers to be enjoyed in the area.
No matter what a visitor is looking for, they’re sure to find something to enjoy at the mouth of the Mississippi. From history to recreational activities, the mouth of this river has something for everyone.
