Once upon a time, when states were outlined and populated, there existed two powerful rivers, the Missouri and Mississippi. As decades passed, the two set out to define the landscape and cultures of their respective regions. But which one is longer?
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, attributed with an approximate length of 2,341 miles. It begins in Montana, wove through eight U.S. states, before merging with its largest tributary, the Mississippi, in St. Louis. First explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805 during the famous Louisiana Expedition, the Missouri during that period was used for transportation of people and goods. But it was in the mid-19th century that the river was utilized heavily as many steamboats plied the boisterous watercourse. This inspired further expansion of the canal and locks system of the river in 1917 as it was furthered opened for navigational use.
Following 180 miles behind its sister river in terms of length is the Mississippi River, covering at least 2,140 miles. Unlike the Missouri, the Mississippi River is states’ boundary between Arkansas and Tennessee, along with Mississippi and Tennessee on one side and Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas on the other. As with the Missouri, the Mississippi Too was traversed by adventurers like William Clark, Alexander Mackenzie, and Henry Schoolcraft and explorers of the 17th century. Moreover, it serves as an important water artery for many places lying along it or nearby, supplying potable water and energy in the form of water power.
The question of which river is longer takes a complex wave if tides, river condition, and other geographical issues are accounted. Experts theorize this could be because of the significance of density and land composition in the location where the two powerful rivers merge at St. Louis, while other experts opine that the Missouri River was further deepened during the Civil War. Nevertheless, according to the various agencies and research projects, the Missouri is the longer of the two rivers.
The Banks of US: A Brief History of River-Life
A picture of the rivers of the United States cannot be complete without an understanding of the many hundreds of years that people of various races and cultures have had a direct relationship with them. From far back as its beginnings, there have been numerous people that have chosen to make their home on the banks of these rivers.
From the Trappers of the early 1800s to the prospectors of the gold rush in the 1840s, to the voyageurs of the mid-19th century, each group left their mark along the banks of many of the major rivers in the region. There were also the Native American tribes that had been living along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers for many hundreds of years before the European settlers arrived. All these peoples interacted with each other as they competed and cooperated over the control and use of these powerful water sources.
The banks of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers have seen the growth of many great river cities and towns. In Arkansas many cities rose up, including Little Rock and St. Louis, while Memphis and Vicksburg emerged in Mississippi. Each city played an important role in the industry of the region, with steamboats, paddle-wheelers and ferries playing a major part in the influx of people and goods.
The two rivers also play an important role in the ecology, providing habitats for numerous aquatic organisms, migratory birds, and various other species. The channels provide spawning areas for various fish, and our dams and mouth control sediment, nutrient and pollution levels., as well as preventing large flooding events.
The Waterways of Today
The Missouri and Mississippi rivers of today are symbols of progress and development. Yet, they still strike a familiar chord with many people with memories of boats, towns and the life and times of their ancestors.
Mississippi is to the South, while Missouri River defines the Middle part of United States, running through 8 states and ending at St. Louis. Apart from the length difference, the two share many similarities: they are both major water transportation routes, as they are highly navigable and have ample ports.
Today, the main tributaries connecting with the two rivers are the Arkansas, the Illinois, the Ohio, the Wisconsin, and the Des Moines. The focus of most of the communities along these waterways is on commerce, trade, and tourism, with the ancient banks of the river, like those of the Missouri, turning into shipping hubs.
However, many state governments have also done an exemplary job keeping many of their undefiled rivers, their fishing camps, and the scenery rushing past the boat as it glides along the water, untouched and wild.
Ecological Impact and Natural Resource Management
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are vital aspects of the economic and ecological life of the United States and surrounding areas. Environmental threats to both rivers, such as industrial and agricultural runoff, have been greatly mitigated by better resource management along the banks.
The use of engineered levees, reservoirs, dams and locks have greatly altered the ecology of the rivers, and have allowed for considerable control of water flows and reduced the devastating effects of floods.
The strict regulations imposed by the Corps of Engineers stipulate certain water flow thresholds, which help prevent dry years and avoid floods. Recent conservation efforts have also seen hundreds of native fish species being reintroducted, and have made an impact on the overall ecological health of the waterways.
Tourism and Fun
The Missouri and Mississippi rivers also offer plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation. Many communities along the banks have developed recreational amenities such as boating, fishing, RV camping and fishing.
The convergence of the two rivers near St. Louis is a major attraction for recreational use. Whether paddling the length of a calm stretch of the Missouri, or fishing for catfish on the Mississippi, tourists can enjoy plenty of diversions.
The tributaries of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers make them particularly suitable for rafting and river-related sports. There are many businesses on the rivers where one can hire guides and boats to explore the rivers on their own. It is also possible to join local boats and excursions.
In areas of the country where the river topography allows it, there is also the possibility of seeing some of the breathtaking valleys and unusual landforms the rivers offer.
Environmental Preservation
Most states along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers recognize the importance of the river’s integrity, and strive to protect it from environmental pollution in many ways. There are various environmental regulations protecting water quality, land use, public access, and recreational activities.
The two rivers are also protected from contamination by the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. It is through careful management of these laws that states have been able to keep the waterways clean and to some extent, pristine.
In addition, local and state governments have teamed up with private and non-governmental agencies to fund several programs focused on preserving wetland and wildlife habitats along the rivers. The initiatives are aimed at preserving both the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the rivers.
Conclusion
The Missouri River is the longer the two, stretching over more than 2,343 miles long, while the Mississippi River remains relatively short at 2,140 miles. The two rivers offer many opportunities for recreation and adventure, as well as for commerce, trade, and transportation of goods and people. Environmental preservation and protection also remain of paramount importance for the states along the banks of these rivers.
