The mighty Mississippi River is one of North America’s longest rivers, coursing through the heart of the continent for an estimated 2,320 miles. Along its journey, the Mississippi River passes through and borders 10 states, moving from the north to the south. The originating point of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasca located in Minnesota, from which the river continues its 2,320-mile trek until it finally empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
States other than Minnesota that are traversed by the Mississippi include Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
This vast river is of immense importance to the whole of North America, and has been part of history for centuries. From the distant past, major festivals, and some of the most significant historical events such as the controversial Missouri Compromise of 1820 — the Mississippi River has been inextricably intertwined with the history, culture, and development of the states it passes through.
Research from the U.S. army corps of Engineers found that the Mississippi River plays an integral role in the economies of the states along its shores. Apart from providing drinking water, fisheries, ports, and natural resources for agricultural production — it also serves as a method of transport for 26 million tons of commodities annually, contributing significantly to their economic growth.
John Molen, a river management expert with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the flood protection, dams, and reservoirs all have a beneficial effect on the lives and activities of the people in these states. He explains it gives them access to electricity, drinking water and irrigation as well as reducing the risks of floods.
As the states around the Mississippi have grown, so have the challenges it presents. The Mississippi often overflows its banks, drowning areas in its path and the sudden changes in water levels can cause great damage and loss. The implementation of projects like the Mississippi Embankment Authority and the Flood Control Act (1936) have been put in place to protect communities and their regular activities.
The Challenges of Pollution
The Mississippi River is no stranger to the deleterious effects of pollution. As early as the 1940s, the state of Louisiana started to implement laws to protect the ecological life and landscape along the river. Back then, it faced major problems due to industrial and agricultural activities that polluted the river.
Today, the new set of challenges include urbanization, urban runoff filled with sediments and waste, contaminants, and the presence of invasive species. Soil erosion has also been linked to fertilizer production and agricultural activities. These have all affected the wildlife and the human inhabitants living along the river.
In the face of all of these challenges, organizations have launched initiatives to protect and care for the Mississippi. Last year, a massive international river clean-up campaign was held in all 10 states to free the river of pollutants and hazardous materials.
Makers of luxurious houseboats and paddleboats stress the need for sustainability and stewardship of the environment. They advocate that all visitors and adventures, along with the locals, take a role in the conservation of the river to protect its waters from being harmed and polluted.
Role in American History and Culture
The Mississippi has served cameos in a number of popular books and literature including Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885). Artistically, the river has also been a subject of countless paintings, photographs and sculptures due to its sentimental importance to the people who had lived and still live on its banks.
For some, the river is far more than a body of water, but an experience that changes the lives of everyone who comes in contact with it. Kenny Bristow, an environmentalist based in Arkansas comments that there is something magical and mysterious about the Mississippi, and that influences the people living there in profound ways.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Riverine specialist based in Louisiana says that the Mississippi has been a part of the traditional music, folklore, and culture of the states it passes through for centuries. She adds that the river through its stories, legends and its deep-rootedness in the Native American history, serves as an integral part of the culture for the people of these states.
Restoration and Renewal
Programs for the restoration of the biological integrity of the Mississippi River such as the Mississippi River Basin Nutrient and Eutrophication Management Strategy were introduced. The goals of this program were to improve the water quality, conserve significant habitats, and restore the flow regimes important to the river.
Additionally, the National Park Services have been working towards the rejuvenation of the wetlands of the Mississippi River. Their strategy involves acquiring land, establishing greater public access, as well as providing funding for conservation projects. The NPS hopes that this will encourage the local communities to make a greater effort in restoring the habitats along the length of the Mississippi River.
For all the challenges that the Mississippi River system faces, organizations such as the American Rivers, The Nature Conservancy, and the Delta Science Program are engaging in projects to improve and restore its ecology. David Brown, with The Nature Conservancy explains that these organizations have been working together to heal the damage done to the Mississippi and ensure its future vitality. They are restoring sediment deposition and brackish water zones to reduce hypoxia, restore habitats, and abolish agricultural runoff.
Notable Sites
The Mississippi is home to some of the most stunning views in North America. National parks and other key sites along the river attract thousands of visitors every year. In addition to the historic sites, many of the states also have picturesque views, amazing fishing locations, and wonderful wildlife habitats.
The Mississippi Sands, a rare sand desert in western Wisconsin, is one of the river’s most beautiful sights. Among the Minnesota sites worth visiting are the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, Minnehaha Falls, and the John A. Latsch State Park. Explorers will also find breathtaking views in the Kentucky area and an abundance of wildlife from the Illinois river bottoms.
Nature enthusiasts must also visit the Big Black River Corridor in Mississippi which provides an amazing wildlife refuge, and the bank of the Arkansas River. This section of the river is home to diverse species including bald eagles, deer, river otters, and beavers.
Experiences
The Mississippi River is a great playground for swimming, fishing and water sports adventures. Tourists who wish to explore the river can also do so by hopping on a kayak or canoe to navigate through the waters. For those more inclined towards sailing, you can rent a houseboat and explore the tranquil stretches of the river.
Dining and entertainment opportunities are plentiful too. From the all night river cruises in the summer to the assortment of restaurants along the banks. You can even find unique markets and festive food stalls along the banks of the Mississippi.
Experiences on the Mississippi River cannot be captured in words, according to travelers. Its vastness and grandeur are best appreciated from a first-hand experience, and according to many, it’s nothing short of magical.
Saving the River System
The Mississippi is a symbol of America’s past and future. As it weaves its way through the 10 diverse states, the Mississippi proffers lifelines to communities, sustains enterprises and industries, and serves as an interconnecting thread to many cultures and lifestyles.
That is why, despite the myriad of problems that it faces, it remains a notable symbol of America’s identity and a national treasure. Various stakeholders are attempting to build initiatives, either purely grassroots or government-backed. These interventions, if sustained, will work together towards reducing the environmental impacts and protect the historically iconic waterway.
As Thad Vitullo with American Rivers explains, we stand in danger of losing a valuable asset if we do not work hard to protect it for future generations. He strongly believes that we must all join forces to heal the long-standing damage done to the Mississippi, restore the flow regimes of its waters, and safeguard its water sources.
