The Mississippi
The Mississippi River is one of the United States’ greatest waterways, winding its way from the north to the south, connecting many of the country’s most important cities and providing a home to bountiful wildlife. For centuries, it has been a source of navigation and transportation, allowing the settlers of the 19th century to move westward and expand America’s young nation. Near St Louis, Missouri, the Missouri River meets the Mississippi, swelling its flow and adding yet another element to the already rich history of the waterway.
The Missouri River is the longest in the United States and the largest tributary to the Mississippi, with a length spanning 2,341 miles. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and traverses across the Great Plains and through the Missouri River Basin before arriving at its mouth on the Mississippi River just north of St Louis. A strong navigational aid and transportation tool for many different cultures, its course was used for centuries for the exploration of the west and the shipping of vital goods and resources.
The importance of this strategic union of two great rivers was not lost on the pioneers of the 1800s. St Louis and the surrounding region experienced a population boom in this period due to its proximity to the convergence. The Missouri River provided the resources necessary for prospectors and travelers to make the arduous journey west and helped provide the security needed against hostile native tribes. This made St Louis an ideal place to start a new life and build a vibrant economy.
Today, the coming together of the Missouri River and the Mississippi continues to be a source of both economic and environmental health to the region. The confluence of the waterways supplies the city with abundant resources and a safe port for transportation. Additionally, the diversity of habitats at the junction of the two rivers contributes to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species of fish and waterfowl.
The experts agree that the union of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers at St Louis is both a major advantage for the city and for the wider United States. “Starting from the 1800s and onward, the two rivers have allowed for an incredible amount of growth and prosperity,” states Robert Johnson, a regional historian. “It serves as an incredible resource for the town to this day and I only see more growth potential in the future.”
The two rivers’ intertwining course at St Louis is essential to the city’s prosperity, with the Missouri providing much-needed resources, transportation and security to the city. There are now a variety of recreational activities that take advantage of the beauty and power of the meeting of the two rivers, drawing both residents and visitors alike. In addition, the confluence serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Mississippi and the powerful impact that America’s first settlers’ journey west has had on our nation’s most important waterway.
Environmental Impact
The meeting of the two rivers is essential not just for the social and economic progress of St Louis, but for the environment of the United States as a whole. The intersection of the two rivers has the potential to lead to an improved water quality, as the Missouri River streams considerably less pollutants into the Mississippi than other tributaries along its course. The union of the two rivers is also a sanctuary for various wildlife species, as the diversity of habitats at the confluence of the two rivers provide safe refuges for waterfowl and many different fish species.
Indiana-based environmental analyst Alex Morris supports this widespread opinion. “Any time two rivers meet together, it’s important for the balance of nature and the health of local predators and prey,” he explains. “The Mississippi and Missouri meeting near St Louis bring a unique dynamic to the game, as the former is a large, mighty river, while the latter is well known for its far-reaching tributaries.”
The United States is highly recognized for its immense natural resources, and the Mississippi and Missouri collectively provide a major portion of the nation’s water supply. As such, the protection of the two rivers is essential in maintaining the delicate eco-systems that exist downstream from their point of convergence. In St Louis, there are a variety of local organizations that work to preserve the area, such as the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, fighting to protect the drinking water. And every day, the citizens of the city strive to spread awareness and promote conservation of these important resources.
The Future
The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers joining at St Louis will continue to be a major factor in the development and growth of the city, as well as many different regions around the U.S. Even with environmental challenges and urbanization, the confluence will remain an important source of health, both physically and financially, for generations to come.
The federal government has long recognized the importance of the two rivers coming together at St Louis, and provides a variety of funding mechanisms and incentives for the upkeep of the area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for example, dedicate themselves to the upkeep of levees, flood control and navigation projects of the rivers. The Environmental Protection Agency also offers incentives for local organizations and businesses to support their green initiatives and promote sustainability.
For the future, it could be expected that the confluence of these two rivers near St Louis will continue to be an important factor in the city’s economy and development. Local experts, such as St Louis Chamber of Commerce member Mark Jones, envision a bright future for the area. “The potential for this area is boundless,” he states. “As long as we continue to invest in the river, its power and beauty will remain for future generations to experience.”
Infrastructure
The area of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers joining at St Louis is also responsible for much of the infrastructure of the city. The waterways provide the city’s main port, Lambert-St Louis International Airport, with its main access to the Mississippi, as well as a direct route to the waterways of the northern Great Lakes region.
The transportation of goods and materials substantially reduces the cost of freight and makes St Louis a central hub for trade in the Midwest. The waterways also allow for a variety of fishermen, pleasure boaters and recreation to take place all along the river, especially near the confluence of the two tributaries.
In addition to this, the presence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers helps to keep the St Louis area’s climate relatively temperate, making life in the area both enjoyable and productive. The rivers significantly reduce the temperature of the area, especially in the summer months, protecting many different flowering plants and providing relief from the heat for locals.
The union of the two rivers is essential for navigation purposes, both commercially and recreationally. The area is an ideal port for boat traffic originating from the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and inland tributary systems. The Mississippi’s main navigable channel runs from its source in St Louis and onward towards New Orleans, passing through the many other cities located along its length.
The Mississippi’s navigable channel is vital for commercial transportation, as it eliminates much of the cost of overland shipping. It also allows for easier and faster shipping of goods, which helps promote the businesses of many different port towns along the river’s pathway.
For recreational purposes, particularly fishing, the Mississippi and Missouri offer a home to a variety of game species, from catfish to bass. The variety of species living in the rivers is also an attraction for birdwatchers in the area. Additionally, many different types of water crafts can be enjoyed due to the slow current of the Mississippi and its limited number of tide changes.
Tourism
The convergence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers near the town of St Louis is highly appreciated by both local residents and tourists alike. Many people come to the area to appreciate the picturesque scenery and engage in a variety of recreational activities, such as water sports and wildlife viewing. A number of local and national parks also have access points to the rivers, allowing hikers and cyclists to explore the area.
The cities of St Louis and St Charles are popular destinations due to their historical importance and vibrant culture. There are a variety of attractions, including the St Louis Arch and Grant’s Farm, which offer a unique combination of American history, fine art and entertainment.
The combination of the two rivers’ union and the region’s many impressive attractions contributes to a lively tourism economy. According to Ike Smith, Professor of Tourism at St Louis University, “The region’s appeal is undeniable. Tourists come from all around the world to experience the powerhouse combination of culture, nature and history that the Mississippi and Missouri provide at St Louis.”
Conclusion
The Missisippi River meeting the Missouri River near St Louis is an important factor in the health, economy and development of the city. The confluence of the two rivers creates an interconnection of vital resources, including transport, navigability and an abundance of wildlife and habitats. This contrast in rivers helps to create a welcomed amount of diversity in the environment, as well as supplying jobs and resources for both the city and the wider nation. The future of the union looks bright, as the surrounding infrastructure and recreational activities will continue to draw in tourists and business to the area in the years to come.
