{"id":11814,"date":"2023-12-11T14:50:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T13:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=11814"},"modified":"2023-12-11T14:50:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T13:50:13","slug":"where-is-the-beginning-of-the-mississippi-river-located","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/where-is-the-beginning-of-the-mississippi-river-located\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Is The Beginning Of The Mississippi River Located"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most important rivers and its history stretches back thousands of years. Located in the northern United States, the mighty Mississippi spans from its source in the northern tip of Lake Itasca all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. So, where is the beginning of the Mississippi River located?<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River has its origins in the northern part of the state of Minnesota, and more specifically at the headwaters of Lake Itasca. The lake is fed by over 200 small lakes and creeks, with the main River channel beginning at the southern outlet of Lake Itasca. The source of the River is, therefore, located in the northern tip of Lake Itasca. This spot is known, in terms of geographical coordinates, as 48.635442N 93.334350W and is referred to as “the source of the Mississippi”.<\/p>\n

The source of the Mississippi River has a very rich history and cultural significance. According to historical records, Native Americans (especially the Dakota Sioux) have been living on and around the river for thousands of years. The river also played a major role in the development and expansion of European settlements in the United States, serving as an important transportation route for goods and people. In more modern times, the Mississippi River has become a popular tourist destination, with recreational activities such as camping, boating, fishing and swimming.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River has an impressive range of wildlife and plant life, with a variety of species of both fish and mammals living in the area. The most common fish species found in the River include large-mouth bass, catfish, walleye, skipjack herring, shad, smallmouth buffalo, and carp. While mammal species such as deer, beavers and muskrats can be seen along the banks. The River is also home to many rare and endangered species, such as the American plover and piping plover.<\/p>\n