Introduction
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the United States and is located in the south-central part of the country. The river begins in its northernmost state of Minnesota and eventually ends in the Gulf of Mexico. Along its path, the Mississippi River passes through nine states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Along the way it is fed by its many tributaries, including the Wisconsin, Missouri and Ohio rivers. The Mississippi has played an important role in the lives of many Americans and has become a symbol of the power and strength of the United States.
History
The Mississippi River has been around since long before the United States was established. It was first inhabited by Native Americans who used the river to fish and travel. European colonists began to inhabit the area in the early 1600s and were soon using the river for transportation as well. The Mississippi River was also used as a military transportation route during the American Revolutionary War. Today, the Mississippi River is used for both recreational and commercial purposes.
Size & Location
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the United States, trailing only the Missouri River. It is a total of 2,530 miles long and is the fourth longest river in the world. The river begins in its northernmost state of Minnesota and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it passes through nine states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The total drainage area of the Mississippi River is approximately 1.5 million square miles, making it the fourth largest river basin in the world.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River has had a tremendous economic impact on the United States. The river has been used as a major transportation route for goods, such as cotton and coal, since the beginning of the industrial revolution. The river has also been used for recreation and tourism purposes, leading to the development of cities and towns along its path. Furthermore, the river is a major source of electricity as well as a major supplier of water for countless cities and communities.
Environmental Effects
Despite its economic and sociocultural impact, the Mississippi River has not been without its environmental issues. Many of the species of fish and other aquatic life found in the river have been threatened due to pollution. This has led to restrictions on fishing and the use of the river for recreational activities. Furthermore, the rapid growth of cities and populations along the river has put a strain on the river’s resources and has led to excessive nutrients entering the river.
Controlling the River
In an effort to better manage the Mississippi River and its resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have developed a system of locks and dams along the river. These locks and dams, known as the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project, are used to regulate river flow and prevent flooding. The project is made up of more than 1,200 separate structures and has been successful in slowing the flow of the river and lowering the height of floods.
Conservation Efforts
The Mississippi River is a vital part of the United States and as such, government organizations and agencies are working to conserve and protect the river’s resources. Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nature Conservancy are all working to conserve the Mississippi River and its tributaries. These organizations are working to reduce the pollution and development that have damaged the river and to promote sustainable practices and management of the river’s resources.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States, playing a key role in the country’s economic and social development. The river has a long history, stretching back to long before the United States was established. Today, the river is used for both commercial and recreational purposes, but is threatened by pollution and development. In order to protect the river and its resources, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nature Conservancy are working to conserve the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
