{"id":12786,"date":"2024-03-06T09:40:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T08:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12786"},"modified":"2024-03-06T09:40:13","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T08:40:13","slug":"is-the-mississippi-river-higher-than-new-orleans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/is-the-mississippi-river-higher-than-new-orleans\/","title":{"rendered":"Is The Mississippi River Higher Than New Orleans"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background Information<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is historically and strategically one of the most important rivers in the United States of America. Spanning over 2,300 miles, the river begins in Minnesota and passes through a number of US states, including Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, before draining into the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans. The Mississippi River is one of the longest river systems in the world, and is the 4th longest in the world. <\/p>\n

New Orleans is a large city in south Louisiana, located along the west banks of the Mississippi River. With a population of over 400,000, New Orleans is one of the newest and most developed cities in the state. It is an incredibly diverse city, with a unique blend of European, African, and American cultures. Because of its location on the Mississippi River, it has an important role in US history, as the city has traditionally been a hub for trade and transportation. <\/p>\n

It is a common misconception that the Mississippi River is higher than New Orleans, with many believing that the river actually runs beneath the city. The truth is that the river is lower than New Orleans, and this misunderstanding can be traced back to the city’s complicated geography and its long history of flooding. <\/p>\n

Data and Perspectives<\/h2>\n

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine if the Mississippi River is higher than New Orleans. The Mississippi River is actually lower than New Orleans by 10 feet due to the city’s elevation, which is higher than the river’s. The city is located at a height of 17-21 Feet above sea level, while the river is typically around 7-9 Feet above sea level. Therefore, it may appear that the river runs beneath the city, but this is an optical illusion. <\/p>\n