An Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in North America, as well as one of the largest in the world. It spans more than 2,300 miles, crossing through 10 states and connecting countless cities throughout their borders. Its importance to the area is undeniable, with waterways serving an ecological, economic, and recreational role, in addition to its historical significance. But despite its vast presence in the United States today, few know where its true origin dates back to.
The Mississippi River is sometimes believed to begin in Lake Itasca in Minnesota, where the lake’s outflow feeds the Mississippi. This area is considered the ‘headwaters’ and is marked with a monument, and has been deemed ‘as close to the beginning as it has been identified’. Beyond Lake Itasca, however, a deeper analysis into its origin reveals a much more complex journey.
The true source of the Mississippi River is the rural town of Remer, Minnesota. Here, a small lake named Lake Winona overflows into Lake Belle Taine, which then empties into the Mississippi River. This lake-to-stream process follows all the way to Lake Itasca and eventually, feeds into the greater Mississippi River.
The Flow of the Mississippi
To comprehend the river’s full journey, it’s important to consider the water that fills it. This water is sourced from rain and streams, which eventually find their way to larger sources like lakes, river bays, and wetlands. This medium then widens into the gulf of Mexico. In addition, the water flow contains sediments, organic matter, dissolved nutrients, and other pollutants.
At Lake Itasca, it is estimated that the river flow and input of rain is at least 70,000 cubic feet per second. This volume increases significantly as the water continues south, picking up the runoff from snowmelt and the countless tributaries and bays that lead into the river. At its mouth, the river then drains a record-breaking amount of water into the gulf of Mexico; an astounding 585,000 cubic feet per second.
Economic Significance
Primarily, the river’s economic importance lies in its representational role of the Midwest. The Mississippi River is integral to the region’s international shipping route and otherwise serves as a source of transport to many goods around the world. It has a rich tradition in the area and is inextricably linked to the cultural identity of Midwesterners.
The river is also responsible for producing some of the most fertile soil in the United States. This in turn boosts the agricultural industry, allowing for greater crop production, high crop yields, and better irrigation of the land.
Finally, the river helps reduce flood risk, by providing a buffer between flood waters and populations living near the banks. It has been credited for providing great protection over the Midwest and Southern states from potentially devastating natural disasters.
Environmental Impact
Though historically a vital source of water, the Mississippi River is now considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Over the years, industrial and agricultural waste, runoff, and municipal discharges have been identified as problem contributors. Even still, it is heavily used as a source of drinking water throughout its path.
Though effort has been made to reduce and clean up the waterway, the problem endures. It is believed that by much of the tributaries and bays that the waterway absorbs, the natural flow of the river is being hindered. As a result, much of the Gulf is stagnant and polluted.
Increased soil erosion due to built up sediment also harms many of the wetland habitats along the river’s route. Despite efforts to increase plant growth and species recovery in the region, it may still take some time for the environment to recover from the damages caused over time.
Recreation Use
The Mississippi River is used for a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting, water sports, camping, and swimming. Its regional importance as a source of outdoor activities and entertainment is found everywhere along its banks. This is important to examine as the river helps promote regional recreation and also serves as a source of revenue for surrounding towns.
For example, the Mississippi River Trail Initiative has been developed as a means to maximize public use of the river’s many pathways. This public-private initiative strives to create and promote over 2,000 miles of close-proximity recreational trails that are located within a certain range of the river.
River Feats
The river also performs a long-term feat of erosion and water flow that is unparalleled. In a time span of as little as 2 million years, the Mississippi River committed itself to carving out the Gulf of Mexico! It accomplishes this by draining a rich quantity of sediment and other debris into the Gulf over many years, resulting in its current shape.
The feat continues through the present-day, with the river dealing with over 500 million tons of sediment from its tributaries each year. Despite the huge volume, the Mississippi River is still able to maintain its originating starting point way back at Lake Itasca.
Impact on History
As one of the oldest rivers in history, the Mississippi River has also been a powerful source of spiritual, cultural, and economic impact. The river has been home to many Native American tribes and settlements, making swaths of the terrain contain invaluable cultural heritage. This includes ancient burial sites, artwork, and other artifacts.
The river has also served as a major part of the country’s development throughout history. One major example is the steamboat’s introduction to the U.S. in the early 1830s, which dramatically increased transport speed in the area and allowed for further exploration and expansion of the American West.
Psychological Impact
The Mississippi River may be remembered as far more than a source of resources — it stands as a living symbol of America’s past and a reminder of the importance of nature. It serves as an appreciative sentiment to parts of the country that may get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the world today. It is a universal source of healing and inspiration, allowing those around it to recognize the beauty of the environment and its significance in everyday life.
The understanding of the Mississippi River is a knowledge that is passed throughout generations and communities. It intertwines the past, present, and future of the nation, and it offers a unique insight into the experience of living in the United States.
