The Mississippi River is an iconic river which many people associate with a huge variety of characteristics. Its winding, majestic presence can be felt throughout much of the United States, with its source located in northern Minnesota. While the exact spot of the origin can be argued, the traditional area is generally accepted to be Lake Itasca, a small, glacial lake near the small town of Bemidji.
The Mississippi River begins its journey of over 2,320 miles at the small lake, no more than a mile in length or a few feet deep. Greatly over shadowed by its subsequent length, Lake Itasca is the modest head of one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through parts of ten states before reaching its final resting place in the Gulf of Mexico.
The source of the river can be found with an easy one mile walk from the south end of the lake, at the beginning of the upper rapids of the two mile longMary Gibbs Mississippi Headwater’s Parkway. From here to the northern most tip of Ship Island, located in the Gulf of Mexico, the river winds its through the many different topographies and biomes of the states it passes through.
It can be difficult to get an exact measure of the age of the river, as geological evidence is scarce and the river itself is in constant flux due to the yearly cycles of wet and dry seasons, with the majority of the land it passes through never undergoing burial processes. However, some estimations of the age of the river have concluded that it is likely to be several million years old, the river itself being part of an even larger drainage system that links to the Gulf of St Lawrence.
If there is anything certain about the river, it is that the Mississippi has been both an integral and life giving part of the surrounding community’s culture, both in its location of origin, as well as throughout its winding journey. People of all backgrounds have long relied on, and enjoyed, the numerous activities and amenities that the river has provided. From fishing to irrigation, the river serves as a reminder and resource of life, in the early days of European settlement, to now.
Recreational Opportunities
The Mississippi is not just a source of life and work but fun and recreation too. It offers a variety of activities, from fishing, camping and kayaking to canoeing, white water rafting and more. In addition, the banks of the Mississippi offer natural beauty, giving people an opportunity to relax and commune with nature.
If the recreational aspect isn’t enticing enough, the Mississippi is also known for the great wildlife that it attracts, providing glimpses of bald eagles, various species of waterfowl and even a vast variety of fish. Seeing these creatures in its natural environment is an experience that any outdoor enthusiast won’t soon forget.
The recreational possibilities of the Mississippi’s banks have long been used by people to escape reality and connect with nature. This has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially as the lower part of the river has become less polluted due to improved methods of waste disposal and managed water flow. Due to its cleanliness, the Mississippi River’s recreational potential has further increased.
Whatever the activity of choice may be, the Mississippi’s banks provide an enjoyable and captivating view, complete with the chirping of birds, croaking of frogs and the occasional sight of an alligator. The adventure of being part of nature is enough to put mind and body to ease and that is what makes the Mississippi River so historically and magically appealing.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River, like any other vital source of life, has had its fair share of environmental challenges. Prior to the natural clean-up efforts by environmental groups, in the middle of the 20th century, the river had become home to industrial pollutants, runoff from chemical factories and so on. This had alarming consequences for the wildlife and residents of the riverside, leading to increases in deformities and diseases among animals, as well as a health risk for those drinking from the river.
In efforts to reduce these risks and restore the environment, a number of laws and natural upkeep projects have been implemented over the years. The National Wildlife Federation, for example, has been actively involved in restoring habitats and helping to reintroduce native species to the river.
In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been involved in restoring the lakes, wetlands and tributaries that feed into the river, allowing the river to become a more lively, healthy and livable place. Local communities have also taken part in their own efforts to repair, maintain and clean the river.
A particularly noteworthy feat, was the completion of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration project in 2012. This project aimed to restore and protect over 500,000 acres of land in the Upper Mississippi River area, making the river cleaner and healthier for years to come.
Efforts such as these have improved the living and environmental conditions of the river significantly, giving natural species a chance to thrive and giving life back to the river.
Commercial and Economic Benefits
Throughout the years, the Mississippi has been the central point of trade, commerce and recreation for many. From providing a wealth of resources such as fish and lumber, it delivered a much needed service to the American people.
Besides providing jobs, the Mississippi River has been key to trade due to its navigable waters that span almost the entire length of the river. Allowing goods and services to move quickly between both coasts, it has historically been the main route of transportation for early settlers and explorers.
The river has, and continues to be, an important part of America’s economy. With large port towns such as New Orleans, St Louis and Vicksburg dotting its banks, the river has long been a principal source of entertainment, industry, production and transportation in the United States.
In addition, the river has also been majorly important for soil replenishment. Its sediment load, due to its slow meandering flow and different landforms, has become invaluable for the fertile soils of the Midwest.
Together, these benefits are essential for the US and individual state income, and it’s for exactly this reason that the majority of states and federal government have been so focused on protecting the river and its sources from industrial and environmental damage.
An Amazing Natural Wonder
Ultimately, the Mississippi River, in all its beauty, serves as a never ending reminder and pride of the United States. From its source in Minnesota all the way down to its finale in the Gulf of Mexico, it provides. Whether it’s cultural, recreational, economic or environmental, the Mississippi offers a gateway to many different aspects of life and livelihood.
The near magical pool of clear, glacial water that lies in the heart of Minnesota that serves as the source of the river is a testament to the beauty and awesome power of nature and the continuous power of renewal. It is because of this that the lifeblood of many US states will continue to symbolize the greatness of the country for many generations to come.
Cultural Significance
The Mississippi River has long carried with it a lively culture, echoing the type of American spirit seen in the early days of settlement. From music and art, to the food that it provides, the river has played a significant role in providing a unique American culture, with the Mississippi Delta being at the forefront of much of this.
Local communities around the river live and celebrate in its presence, many of the customs and cultures that have been passed on through the generations in Southern states owe much to these local cultures. Music such as blues, jazz and bluegrass, have all been attributed to the influences of the nearby Mississippi River.
As well as its musical influences, the river has also been an incredibly powerful artistic influence, from painters and printmakers, to authors of novels and poetry, the Mississippi often appears in literature, art and more.
Arguably, its presence has allowed for a unique literary expression of poetic reflection and recorded history, as its importance in American culture has been so deeply entrenched that it’s near impossible to ignore. As a result, its importance as a cultural center is still alive and well.
Add to this the fact that the Mississippi River has numerous cultural festivals happening throughout the year, such as the Great River Road Festival, and it becomes evidently clear that its cultural significance cannot be underestimated.
Tourism Benefits
Robust urban and rural areas, complete with museums and entertainment, have been created around the banks of the Mississippi due to its increasing popularity as a tourist destination.
Unique sites such as the mighty canyon at Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, to the historic sites of Natchez Trace Parkway are frequented by people from all over the world, with the river itself acting as the backbone of the experience.
The array of different activities and amenities on offer, from outdoor exploration and adventure to archaeology, bird watching to golf, make an unforgettable experience for any adventure seeker.
On top of this, the many historic towns that populate the banks of the Mississippi offer an array of unique memories and experiences. From experiencing the old architecture of the colonial era, to hopping on a steamboat and gliding down the river, there’s something to amuse nearly any type of traveler.
With the river providing such a vast array of activities and experiences, it’s easy to see why the Mississippi has become a staple of tourism and entertainment in the United States.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River, in all its grandeur, is a remarkable feature of the United States. From its source at a small glacial lake in Minnesota, it stretches thousands of miles to the Gulf of Mexico, providing life and happiness in its wake.
From providing cultural, recreational and economic benefits, to serving as an environmental reminder for man to take care of the planet, the Mississippi River is a precious part of history, culture and nature. To this day, it remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, and will no doubt continue to be a source of awe and admiration for many years to come.
