Meandering through 10 U.S. states, the Mississippi River is one of America’s longest rivers, second only to the Missouri River. Spanning a length of 2,320 miles and draining 31 states, the Mississippi River passes through the United States’ heartland, making it one of the country’s most important rivers. Startling in its grandiosity, the Mississippi River was once an obstacle to Native Americans, an enticement to pioneers, an impediment to Confederate troops, and a lifeline to the modern city of New Orleans.
Located along the western banks of the Mississippi River, situated atop an alluvial bowl, is the port city of New Orleans. Its rich history as a major port for Europe, Caribbean, and American ships has left its mark in the form of voodoo and jazz music, and distinctive, ornate architectural features. Although New Orleans was infamously submerged in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi River still dictates the city’s existence.
Stretching from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River parallels the border between the United States and Canada, forming part of the international boundary. A number of states, such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, rely heavily on the Mississippi, as do numerous Native American tribes situated along its banks. From the Pascagoula River in the south to the Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin tributaries in the north, the Mississippi River has played an essential role in the development of the Midwestern United States.
In addition to nourishing and sustaining over 2 million people along its course, the mighty Mississippi River is a vital part of the United States economy. Sturgeon, paddlefish, and smallmouth bass all congregate in its waters, attracting plenty of anglers and tourists throughout the year. Rice and cotton, which together form one of the largest agricultural exports, are primarily harvested along the banks of the Mississippi. Along with providing electricity via hydroelectric dams, natural gas, and petroleum products are some of the other products derived from the river.
The inspirational beauty of the Mississippi River has long been praised by writers and poets. Though the river is known for its power and destructive tendencies, it has been celebrated for its grandness and sense of tranquility. In the 19th century, author Mark Twain wrote one of his most well-known novels, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, while observing the river from a comfortable seat in his steamboat.
Today, the Mississippi River is lined with modern cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and Greenville, each with their own unique cultural flair. It is a vital shipping artery for Mississippi barges, carrying steel and grain to the port of New Orleans. Its grandeur and powerful presence touch the heart of all Americans, no matter where they live.
The Longest Bridge across the Mississippi
The longest bridge across the Mississippi River is the Hernando de Soto Bridge, spanning a distance of almost 5,300 feet, and connecting Memphis, Tennessee to West Memphis, Arkansas. Spanning two states and six lanes, the bridge provides a crucial link between Memphis and other parts of the Mid-South region. Highlighting the emblematic beauty of the mighty Mississippi River, the bridge serves as a reminder of the monumental task of building an extended bridge using advanced engineering and critical support.
The Hernando de Soto Bridge was designed and built by the renowned engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff, and was opened in 1973. With its two double deck suspension towers, two main-span towers, seven approach spans, and two sets of piers, the bridge rises 110 feet above the Mississippi River. Visitors can marvel at the bridge’s awe-inspiring power, its expert engineering and design, or enjoy a leisurely stroll on the pedestrian walkway.
The bridge’s name commemorates the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who began his exploration of the Mississippi River in 1541. His epic journey spanned from Florida to North Carolina, and eventually ushered in the age of European colonization in America. Although his exploration ultimately failed, it laid the groundwork for later American explorers, who would settle and expand Westward, developing the land into the vast country it is today.
Significance of the Mississippi River in America
In the 1800s, the Mississippi River was one of the few U.S. waterways that could be navigated by steamboats and paddlewheelers. Pioneers and immigrants traveling to the Midwestern states used the Mississippi as their primary route, and often referred to the river as the “Mother of the West.”
In addition to its historical importance, the Mississippi River is one of America’s natural wonders. Every year, hundreds of people embark on paddleboat journeys on the river, affording them an opportunity to appreciate its beauty and grandeur, and experience the unique culture created around it. The vibrant landscape, lush wetlands, and unique wildlife that inhabit the banks of the Mississippi have become an integral part of American history and identity.
The Mississippi River also serves as an important part of the U.S. economy. With power plants, factories, and other means of production relying upon the river, an estimated 400 million tons of cargo pass through it each year. From the farmland to the lake basins, the Mississippi River helps generate billions of dollars in revenue and sustains communities large and small.
Although the Mississippi River has endured several floods, resulting in some devastating economic and ecological damage, it has remained a vital part of American life, culture, and industry. And it continues to embody the spirit of American progress and prosperity.
Tourism & Recreational Activities on the Mississippi River
Each year, thousands of people visit the banks of the Mississippi River for its incredible scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural experiences. By day, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating and wildlife watching. By night, they can explore the banks of the Mississippi and admire the illuminated bridge and its natural surroundings.
For those interested in getting a more in-depth experience, several companies offer all-inclusive Mississippi River cruises. Tourists can embark on the mega-yacht American Queen, or board the luxurious replica steamboat the Belle of Louisville, both of which offer several days’ worth of stops along the river banks. Within the various ports of call, travelers are treated to cultural, culinary, and historical tours highlighting the unique beauty of the area.
For travelers who’d rather explore the river up close and personal, a variety of riverboat companies offer day trips, weekend excursions, and multi-day jaunts through the heart of the Mississippi. From ‘steamboat dinners’ to immersive educational programs, a cruise along the mighty Mississippi River is sure to create lifelong memories.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Mississippi River
In recent years, the Mississippi River has come under tremendous scrutiny due to its vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Recent droughts in the Midwest have resulted in water levels falling to alarming levels, while periods of prolonged flooding have washed away homes, highways, and farms along its banks. The river’s natural habitats have also been threatened by increased silt, pollution, and runoff, leading to a decline in important species such as salmon and sturgeon.
Scientists predict that climate change will result in an increased frequency of droughts, floods, and other weather-related disasters, all of which will have serious implications for the Mississippi River’s fragile environment. As a result, organizations such as the National Wildlife Fund have advocated for better water management, stricter environmental regulations, and the restoration of protective wetlands along the river.
At the same time, researchers are seeking ways to mitigate the effects of climate change by studying the potential impacts of melting glaciers on river flows. By measuring the rate of glacial melt and the effect it has on the Mississippi River, scientists hope to gain invaluable insights into how global warming impacts the environment.
Saving the Mississippi River
In an effort to protect the vital resources of the Mississippi River, various organizations are working to ensure that its ecosystems are healthy and fully functioning. From the planting of plants and trees in riparian zones to the restoration of wetlands and the repair of water-damaged ground, organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, the Sierra Club, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are working to preserve the river’s unchanged beauty.
In addition, organizations such as the Mississippi River Network are attempting to bring stakeholders together to ensure that their solutions are properly executed and that their effects are properly monitored. For example, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is restoring over 70,000 acres of wetlands, which will help to protect against coastal erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
The preservation of the Mississippi River is not an easy task, but there are ways to ensure its survival and beauty. With the help of dedicated environmental organizations and committed stakeholders, the river and its surroundings can remain safe for future generations to enjoy.
