The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and is an integral part of Louisiana’s complex and delicate environment. It is a rich source of water, wildlife, industry, recreational activities, and significant cultural legacies once integral to Louisiana’s socio-economic development. The great river has lent its name to three parishes, one of the most famous highways in the United States, a major port city, plus served as the main lifeblood of several Native American cultural groups.
The segment of the Mississippi that runs through Louisiana has been active since the beginning of European settlement, first with French and Spanish exploration in the early 1600s and then through the plantation slavery period during the 19th century. Louisiana was admitted to the union in 1812, adding the entirety of the Mississippi River, from the Gulf of Mexico to the state’s border with Arkansas, as its western boundary.
Knowing the path of the Mississippi River is an important way of understanding the geography of Louisiana. It starts at the northern part of the state, roughly along the 33rd parallel, then heads south for approximately 800 miles until it enters the Gulf of Mexico near the parishes of Plaquemines and St. Bernard. As a boundary, the Mississippi River is considered to be the western border of Louisiana and it separates the state from its neighbor, the state of Mississippi.
The mighty Mississippi is the lynchpin of four Louisiana river systems. They include the Atchafalaya River, the Pearl River, the Tensas River, and the Calcasieu River. All but the Atchafalaya River flow directly into the Mississippi. This waterway is the main source of transportation, recreation, and economic development in Louisiana, and is integral to the food and energy sectors.
The Mississippi River is host to approximately 500 species of fish and 350 species of birds, making it one of the most biologically productive water corridors in the United States. It provides an important spawning and rearing habitat for the fish and aquatic life in Louisiana, and the riparian or wetland habitats create breeding grounds for migratory birds. The river’s freshwater floodplain also acts as a protective barrier between fresh water and oceanic saltwater, in turn helping to maintain the quality of the freshwater supply in Louisiana.
The Mississippi River is an essential part of prosperous Louisiana. Its diverse levels are the lifeblood of the state’s environment, commerce, and culture. By preserving this integral resource Louisiana ensures that its citizens have access to a resilient, prosperous and thriving economy while savoring its natural beauty, unique culture and unparalleled recreational opportunities.
Economy
As much of the land in Louisiana is prone to flooding and soil degradation, the Mississippi River provides a stabilized source of income. Through rice farming and shipping activity, the river brings in US $1 Billion in goods and services generated along the Louisiana Mississippi that is shared among the states. Mississippi River trade consists mainly of oil, petroleum, agricultural goods and manufactured products. Much of the goods from Louisiana find its way to other countries via the river, and the river also encourages tourism with its recreational opportunities.
In addition to goods and services, the Mississippi River generates several tax revenues for the state. All the industries that use the resources of the Mississippi River — such as freight, oil and gas and shipping — pay taxes, helping to support various initiatives and organizations within the state.
The Mississippi River also provides energy to Louisiana through hydropower. Eighty percent of the hydropower generated in Louisiana is produced in the Mississippi River, creating power for homes and businesses across the state, and providing a renewable and clean energy source for the state.
Culture
The Mississippi River holds a special significance in the history and culture of Louisiana. It has been used for centuries for transportation, trade and cultural exchange. The river is home to the Mississippi Delta and the Pearl River, one of the oldest Native American trails, and has many stories and legends that are passed down through generations.
The River is often referred to as the “lifeline” to Louisiana’s past, connecting the state’s historical roots to its present. Many of Louisiana’s traditions, such as jazz music, crawfish boils and Southern cooking, come from the Mississippi River region. The river also has a reputation for fostering a unique culture of language, cuisine, and music which blends the influence of numerous cultures and nations that have resided near its shores.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is the source of life for much of the region. A healthy Mississippi River is important for the continued growth and survival of many species of fish, amphibians, birds, birds of prey, mammals and aquatic vegetation.
Years of over-fishing and water pollution have caused detrimental harm to the River’s environment and its wildlife. The prevention or remediation of pollution is an essential part of preserving the river and the cultural and environmental well-being of Louisiana. Various efforts have been put in place to protect the river’s “dead zone” which occurs when high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous create an area with limited oxygen, killing fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Environmental organizations have also been working to clean up the Mississippi River, not just in Louisiana but in other states as well. This includes work to restore wetlands and riparian habitats alongside the river. Such efforts help reduce erosion and create a more diverse habitat for wildlife.
Recreation
Due to its rich historical significance, the Mississippi River is full of opportunities for experience, along with providing different recreational activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The River offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, from kayaking and canoeing to wildlife and bird watching. The lower segment of the river near the Gulf of Mexico is particularly appealing to tourists and locals alike due to its diverse wildlife habitats and scenic beauty along its banks.
The river also offers a variety of other activities. Fishermen can take advantage of the abundant areas for abundant sportfishing opportunities. Hunting is also widely practiced along the river, offering an abundance of wild game and other recreational activities. As the river offers a range of recreational opportunities, it is a great attraction for Louisiana.
Infrastructure
The Mississippi River serves as a major avenue for transportation, trade, and commerce. The levees and canals along the river ensure that it can be used for transport of goods, people, materials, and services between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the Mississippi River is home to many ports, river docks, and other river terminals which are used for freight and passenger deliveries.
Numerous highway bridges, ferry terminals, and rail lines allow for efficient transportation in the region. Oil and gas pipelines, power transmission lines, and port facilities are all constructed for transport of goods and services.
The locks and dams along the river are essential for regulating the water levels and allowing safe navigation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for all of the locks, levees, and dams along the river. Additionally, they are responsible for performing the maintenance and repair of any infrastructure on the Mississippi River.
