Background Information
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and historic rivers in North America. Covering more than 2,300 miles, the river is the fourth longest in the United States, starting in Minnesota and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Along this great length, the Mississippi River is bordered by 10 different states.
The Mississippi River has been an important part of American history since its early beginnings in the 16th century. It has served as a vital trade route between the northern states and the Gulf as well as a major transport route for many of the early settlers to move west. The river has been an integral part of American history and culture, including large swathes of the south along its banks.
Today the Mississippi River is still incredibly vital to the region that it serves, providing freight and recreational access to the many states it meanders through. Serving as the spine of the region, the river forms the foundations of the geography, atmosphere, and culture of the states that border it.
Border States
The 10 states that the Mississippi River borders are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Of these, six are situated on the eastern or northern stretches of the river, while the other four are on the southern portion.
Beginning in the north, Wisconsin is an on the western bank of the Mississippi River. From then on, the Mississippi River goes from east to west and bisects the two states of Minnesota and Iowa. As the river continues south, Illinois and Missouri will be found on its western and eastern sides, respectively.
In the south, the Mississippi River continues to bisect states, forming the border between Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This stretch is nicknamed the “Father of Waters” as its waters flow further south and reach the Gulf.
Economic Value
The Mississippi River provides immense economic value to the states that are bordered. Flowing through the heartland of the US, the Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana remain some of the most productive and lucrative states in the USA due to its ability to support their agricultural and trading industries.
The upper Midwest states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois also rely heavily on the Mississippi River as a key source of jobs and businesses. The respective ports located at the mouth of each of these states allow for freight access and tourism that bring considerable economic benefit to the region.
Thanks to modern locks and man-made canals, ships can navigate and transport goods across the continent fairly easily, including upstream along the Mississippi River. This has helped fuel American industry and agriculture in the states it borders, and continues to do so today.
Levee Systems
Perhaps the most vital role of the Mississippi River is not in shipping and trading, but in flood management. The decade-long Mississippi River and Tributaries Project was implemented in the early 1900s, and was inteded to protect the banks of the river, its tributaries, and the states it borders from regular flooding.
Levees, reservoirs, and other systems such as dams were built and implemented to control the excessive flooding that the rivercat experience on a regular basis. This has helped prevent the financial and human tragedies that are associated with flooding, and protects the many cities, towns, and villages that are located on the shorelines of the river and its tributaries.
During the project, levees were also constructed to divert floodwaters away from populated areas. This included the redirecting of water away from the city of New Orleans, which experienced catastrophic devastation during the 1927 flood.
Environmental Effects
While the Mississippi River provides immense economic benefiit to its bordering states, the ravages of the river have not gone unnoticed. The river is constantly changing its course, starving some towns of water and filling in others, often with devastating effects.
The levees and canals that were built to guard against flooding also have had several detrimental effects. By trapping sediment and limiting access for large boat,canals affect the river’s movements, sometimes blocking its flow and creating severe floods in certain areas.
The demands by humans on the river are vast and can take an immense environmental toll on the river, its wildlife, and the states it touches. It is for this reason that there continues to be a need to carefully managed the river, balancing the needs of the humans who depend on it as well as Mother Nature.
Recreation
Aside from having economic value, the Mississippi River is also a major recreational river. Its starlit waters provide a peaceful setting for hikers and campers to enjoy nature in its greatest form. Boating and fishing is also quite popular on the river, allowing locals and tourists alike to get out and enjoy the views.
The Mississippi River is also a major destination for bird-watchers. With birds of prey, herons, and egrets a distinguishing feature of the shoreline, the Mississippi is also a major hotspot for bird migration. Numerous bird species can be spotted along the riverbanks, with the 10 states that border it housing an incredible diversity of birdlife.
Finally, canoeing and kayaking provide a great opportunity to explore the many tributaries of the Mississippi River, winding through the heart of the midwest and allowing visitors to gain perspective of the local culture, history, and wildlife.
Role in American Culture and History
In the 816th century the Mississippi River was an important accompaniment for the French explorer Jacques Cartier, and its importance in the American narrative has always been immense. From the native Indian populations who lived along its banks, to the settlers and hikers who moved West, the Mississippi is a vital component of American history.
In additional to its role in the American economy and recreation, the Mississippi River also plays a vital role in American culture. Numerous folk songs and ballads are inspired by the mighty river, with some of the most famous songs includes Willie Nelson’s ‘On the Road Again‘ and the ‘Lonesome Waltz of the Mississippi‘.
In addition to music, the Mississippi River is also celebrated in literature, with the iconic writer Mark Twain idolizing the incredible waterway in several of his classic pieces. This connection has since been immortalized, with Mark Twain being credited as the ‘father of the Mississippi’.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a huge part of the US landscape and plays an essential role in the history, environment, and culture of the 10 states it borders. From trade and transportation, to flood systems and recreation, the river is an iconic part of America and will continue to be for many years to come.
