{"id":10945,"date":"2023-10-08T13:40:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T12:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=10945"},"modified":"2023-10-08T13:40:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-08T12:40:10","slug":"how-long-is-the-missouri-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/how-long-is-the-missouri-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Is The Missouri Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The Missouri Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching over 2,340 miles in an east-west direction. It is the second longest tributary in the United States, and it is formed by the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers near St. Louis. It is one of the most important rivers in North America, providing transportation, irrigation, and energy for millions of people.
\nThe headwaters of the Missouri Mississippi River can be traced back to Clearwater Lake in Minnesota. The full length of the river empties into the Mississippi River near St. Louis. The majority of the river is situated along the US-Canadian border. Along its route it touches 10 US states as well as connecting two of the continent’s three great lakes.
\nAlong the way, it takes in a huge variety of different climates, from hot and humid in the lower river to a more moderate environment in the north. The river is home to numerous animal and plant species, some of which have been brought there by early settlers. The Missouri has also been an important resource for Native American tribes, providing them with food, transportation, and even a way to communicate with each other.
\nThe river is highly regulated and controlled, with nine dams constructed along its length. These help to control flooding, supply irrigation and provide hydroelectricity. They also control sediment and pollutants, keeping the river clean and healthy.
\nThe Missouri Mississippi River is a hugely important waterway in the nation, with recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming possible along its length. It also serves as a major transportation route for cargo and passengers, with numerous river boats sailing its waters.
\nThe importance of maintaining and protecting the Missouri River has been increasingly recognized in recent years, with a number of initiatives in place. River conservation groups have been set up to ensure the health of the river and its wildlife, and several national parks and preserves have been established along its course.<\/p>\n

The Missouri’s Role in US History<\/h2>\n

The role of the Missouri in US history is difficult to underestimate. It has been the scene of many battles and wars, from the famous Lewis and Clark expedition in 1803 to the American Civil War in the 1860s. It was a key route in the expansion of the United States West, allowing settlers to reach the Far West. From the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 to the pioneers of the Oregon Trail, the river has been a vital artery in the growth of America.
\nThe Missouri has also been important in the arts, with literature, music and film all being based on its history. For example, the 1903 novel by Mark Twain, ‘Life on the Mississippi’, was inspired by his travels on the river. The river even gave its name to St. Louis, the city that became known as ‘the Gateway to the West.’
\nToday, the primary focus for the Missouri River is on preservation and protection. Recognizing the importance of the river for both commercial and recreational activities, efforts are being made to reduce the pollution, improve habitat and ensure that anyone who wants to use the river can do so safely and responsibly.<\/p>\n

What is the Economic Impact of the Missouri?<\/h2>\n

The economic impact of the Missouri is widely felt, both at a local and a national level, and for many people, it is their main source of income and livelihood. The river is a major source of irrigation and hydropower, and it provides an important route for commercial navigation and transportation.
\nThe river serves as a corridor of active development, with the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City linked by a link formed by the river. The river supports the agricultural industry, with numerous farms located along its banks and providing much of the nation’s food supply.
\nThe Missouri River forms a major part of the tourism industry in the Midwest, with millions of people visiting each year to enjoy the beauty of the area. Outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and boating are extremely popular, and the river provides numerous trails for walkers and cyclists.<\/p>\n

How Are the Health of the River and Its Wildlife Affected?<\/h2>\n

The health of the Missouri River and its wildlife is affected by many factors, such as pollution and changes to the flow of the river. This can have a negative impact on the aquatic life and wildlife that depend on the river for food and habitat.
\nAs the river has been regulated and controlled over the years, the fish and wildlife populations have suffered. The Missouri’s science team monitors and assesses the health of the river, and the fish and wildlife that rely on the Missouri.
\nThe team is also working to reduce the impacts of pollution on the river, as well as introducing management strategies to protect and restore the river’s natural habitat. Some of these strategies include restoring riparian vegetation, restoring habitat for threatened and endangered species and introducing fish passages to enable fish to travel up and down the river.<\/p>\n

What is the Role of the Missouri in Sustainability?<\/h2>\n