{"id":11613,"date":"2024-02-24T10:00:11","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T09:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=11613"},"modified":"2024-02-24T10:00:11","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T09:00:11","slug":"what-is-tributaries-of-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-tributaries-of-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Tributaries Of Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When talking about the major rivers in the United States, the Mississippi River is arguably the most recognized. The longest tributary of the Mississippi, the Missouri River, holds the title for the longest river system in North America. The Mississippi River runs 2,920 miles before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.The Mississippi River and its tributaries, however, are so much more than just length- they are the environmental lifeblood of the United States that support and sustain a variety of different habitats.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River has multiple tributaries that join the main stem, providing it with the water it needs to flow from its origin to the Gulf of Mexico. The main tributaries that feed the Mississippi River are the Missouri River, which is the longest tributary; the Ohio River; the Arkansas River; and the Red River of the South. Along with providing the river with extra water, the tributaries also provide vital channels for trade and transportation.<\/p>\n

The Missouri River is composed of two forks that are both important sources of fresh water, especially in the summer months. The Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers are the three branches of the Missouri River that all come together in Montana. The Missouri River supplies fresh water to over 18 million people downstream, making it an important source of sustenance, even if it is far away from the source.The Arkansas River is the second largest of the tributaries, and it is still a major waterway for transport and commerce. The lower stretch of the Arkansas River is in Arkansas, as it is named for the state. The river also provides much of the nutrient-rich sediments, which helps to nourish the large alluvial areas of the Mississippi, such as the Mississippi Delta.<\/p>\n

The Ohio River is the third largest tributary of the Mississippi River. It is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East” due to the steep cliffs that line the river. It is also known for its strategic importance, as the rivers of the upper Ohio Valley served as the main gateway into the Old Northwest Territory prior to the formation of the United States. Further upriver is the Wabash River, which contributes to the Ohio’s water supply, as well as to parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.<\/p>\n