{"id":12063,"date":"2023-11-03T19:05:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12063"},"modified":"2023-11-03T19:05:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T18:05:11","slug":"is-the-mississippi-river-a-federally-controlled-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/is-the-mississippi-river-a-federally-controlled-water\/","title":{"rendered":"Is The Mississippi River A Federally Controlled Water"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States – stretching from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico – and is often considered one of the country’s greatest natural resources. The Mississippi River has been both an important transportation and trade route for centuries and is an iconic symbol in American culture today. As an essential part of the nation’s economy, it has been an important factor in the development of its unique history, geography, and culture.<\/p>\n

In the late 19th century, the federal government began regulating the Mississippi River with the passage of two major acts – the River and Harbor Act of 1899, and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1911. These acts gave the federal government the authority to oversee, maintain, and improve the navigation of the river and its tributaries. With this federal oversight, engineers were able to develop ways to make the river safer and more navigable.<\/p>\n

Relevance to US History<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has played an important role in the history of the United States. Native Americans used the river for fishing and trading for centuries before the arrival of colonists. Explorers and traders depended on the river to access the interior of the continent, and the river was an integral part of the famous “Trail of Tears” taken by Native Americans after the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830. The river also served as an important trade and transportation route during the American Civil War.<\/p>\n

In the 19th century, the federal government began to recognize the importance of the Mississippi River and implemented laws to regulate its use and improve navigation. Although the government’s involvement in river regulation has changed over the years, it continues to be considered one of the most important waterways in the country. The Mississippi River is still a crucial transportation route, linking the Great Lakes, the Midwest, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact<\/h2>\n