{"id":12638,"date":"2023-12-29T03:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T02:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12638"},"modified":"2023-12-29T03:00:11","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T02:00:11","slug":"where-is-mississippi-river-located","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/where-is-mississippi-river-located\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Is Mississippi River Located"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Mississippi River is one of the major rivers of the United States, rising in its northernmost part near the Minnesota-Ontario border and ultimately draining more than 2,300 miles of rich wetland habitats in its southernmost reaches deep in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the course of its length, the river crosses 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.<\/p>\n

Pattern of Waterways in the United States<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is part of a larger watershed which is divided into several smaller watersheds. What makes the Mississippi system so complex is that other major rivers feed into, or ‘connect’with the Mississippi River in various places. The Ohio River, the Missouri River, and the Arkansas River are all rivers that help form and define the landscape of the vast Mississippi River watershed. The Mississippi River is therefore an essential part of the United States’ intricate web of wetlands, streams and rivers. <\/p>\n

Economic Role of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River plays an important role in the economy of the states associated with it. People have been relying on the river for transportation and trade for centuries, and today it is still a key shipping route for many companies. The ports along the river allow for massive shipping vessels to easily traverse up and down the length of the river, resulting in millions of dollars in trade and commerce every year. The river is also a major source of recreation, with people ranging from locals to tourists partaking in activities such as river cruises, water sports, fishing, and more.<\/p>\n

Major Floods in the Mississippi River Basin<\/h2>\n

When states throughout the Mississippi River watershed experience heavy rain, there’s a risk that river levels will rise and cause flooding in many areas. Over the years, some of the worst floods in the United States have been caused by Mississippi River flooding. The Great Flood of 1927, for example, was one of the most destructive natural disasters in the country’s history. Every state in the region saw major flooding, which left hundreds of thousands of people displaced and caused an estimated death toll of 500 people.<\/p>\n

Environmental Issues in the Mississippi River Basin<\/h2>\n