The Mississippi River is one of the most remarkable rivers in the world, stretching 2,320 miles from the Minnesota River in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, connecting one-third of the entire United States. Navigators, adventurers and settlers all marveled at the long river and its spectacular beauty, believing that its source was far away in distant lands.
For centuries, there have been legends, stories and mysteries surrounding the source of the Mississippi River. Native Americans had the legend of “gLakchile Sha,” which translates to “the Great River,” while the French explorer Nicholas Perrot wrote in his journal of a “great lake” supposedly located somewhere far up north. With no definitive answer, the search for the origin of the Mississippi River remained enigmatic.
It wasn’t until 1854 when Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, an American geographer and ethnologist, solved the mystery when the US government sent him out to seek the source of the river. By studying maps and talking to Native American guides, Schoolcraft concluded that the source of the Mississippi River was Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. As he finished his exploration, he decided to name the source he found “Itasca,” as it was a combination of the two Latin words “veritas” and “caput,” meaning “true source of head.”
Although the source of the Mississippi River had been found, a strong debate continued about the true source for many years. The US government sent out an expedition in 1879 to assess the correctness of the conclusion by Schoolcraft. In 1912, the Works Project Administration sent surveyors to determine the only water connection between Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River. It wasn’t until 1948 when the US Board of Geographic Names officially recognized Lake Itasca as the official source of the Mississippi River, ending the Great River’s century-long mystery.
Dr. John Ruszkiewicz in his book “The Mississippi: A Rivers Source,” delves into the issue and argues that Lake Itasca was the true source of the Mississippi River because it was the headwater of the watershed. On the other hand, some experts argue that Lake Bemidji, located 4 miles south of Lake Itasca, is the official source and true headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Today, the rediscovery of the source of the Mississippi River remains an incredible achievement and serves as a reminder of the power of exploration and the need to protect our natural environment. Much of the mystery and marvel of the Minnesota lake remains. Cruise ships, steamboats, ferries and lake boats offer exciting experiences as they explore the source and its surrounding areas, allowing visitors to get up close to the majestic river and its incredible beauty.
Early Exploration of the Mississippi River
In the 17th and 18th centuries, French explorers and fur traders voyaged the length of the Mississippi River in search of the source. Oftentimes, the explorers went into uncharted territories, following the suggestion of Native American guides. The Upper Mississippi region was a particularly fascinating area for these early explorers, with its wealth of lakes and streams.
Italy’s Giacomo Beltrami was the first European who, in 1823, traveled in search of the source of the Mississippi River. He was followed by Henry Schoolcraft in 1832, who was the first to set foot on Lake Itasca, believing this to be the source of the great river.
It was in 18177 when Lt. Zebulon Pike became one of the first to travel up the Mississippi River to the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, setting in motion the fervent search by European and American explorers alike.
These early explorers were able to follow the course of the river, but still could not find its source. They could only follow from the waters that flowed from Lake Itasca and attributed the source to the great lake.
The Significance of the Mississippi River Source
The source of the Mississippi River is significant for many reasons, most notably its cultural and historical importance. To find the source of the Mississippi River is to gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and history of the American landscape.
It also helps define a sense of place for the United States, providing a valuable connection between the past and our current lives. The source of the Mississippi River is also an ecological resource, as the river supports a wealth of biodiversity, which is why it is so important to protect its source.
The discovery of the source of the Mississippi River also played a part in the development of navigation and the transportation of goods up and down the river. The ability to track the river helped to open up the areas of the United States that are on the river, providing an important route for trade and travel.
Finally, the source of the Mississippi River is also significant for its cultural symbols, as the river has been an important source of inspiration for literature, music, and art. Many stories, poems, and songs have been written about the various bends, curves, and depths of the river, making it a symbol of culture and a source of pride for many Americans.
Environmental Protection of the Mississippi River Source
Since the source of the Mississippi River is an incredibly important resource for both human and wildlife, it is essential to protect the source and its surroundings for years to come. In doing so, it is important to ensure that this area remains pollution-free and well-preserved.
In 1994, the United States government created the 50,000-acre Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, which skirts the southern tip of Lake Itasca. This initiative was designed to protect the source and its surroundings from the potential harm caused by human activity. It also preserves the historic value of the area, as well as its abundance of natural beauty and wildlife.
In addition, the government has also enacted a number of water-quality regulations to ensure the water of the Mississippi River remains clean and safe for both human and wildlife. The regulations also aims to protect the native fisheries in the river, as well as other plant and animal species that rely on its waters for their sustenance.
The source of the Mississippi River is an incredibly important resource that must be protected from environmental degradation. By implementing the regulations in place, and creating protected forests, the government is ensuring the generations of tomorrow will be able to enjoy the true source of the river for years to come.
The Impact of Human Activity on the Mississippi River Source
The discovery of the source of the Mississippi River was an incredible feat, considering the fact that it had remained a mystery for centuries. But with the discovery of the source, came an exploration of the river, as well as human interference which has had an impact on the delicate ecosystem of the area.
As navigation of the river became more common, and human settlements grew along its banks, the water was increasingly polluted with industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. This has led to an increase in water temperature, nutrient enrichment, and sedimentation, which has had a detrimental impact on the flora and fauna of the river.
In general, the human activity of the last century has led to a significant alteration of the region, including a noticeable change in the water flow and levels, as well as a decrease in the aquatic species found in the waters of the Mississippi. As a result, the government has become stricter with the regulations and enforcement of pollution-control laws and regulations, in an effort to protect the Mississippi River and its delicate ecosystem.
The Mississippi River has also become a tourist hotspot, with cruise ships and lake boats flocking to its source. Tourists come from all over the world to explore the source and its surroundings, which can cause additional environmental damage due to the pollution from their vehicles, as well as from the garbage and waste that is improperly disposed of in the area.
Conclusion
The incredible source of the Mississippi River is a unique and vital part of US history and culture, offering a glimpse of the past and a connection to the present. It is essential that we all work to protect the source and its surroundings, as it houses a wealth of flora and fauna, as well as a source of inspiration and pride.
We must also be mindful of the potential impact that human activity can have on the source and its delicate ecosystem, and ensure that proper regulations are in place to protect it for generations to come.
