{"id":13497,"date":"2024-02-21T08:55:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T07:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13497"},"modified":"2024-02-21T08:55:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T07:55:21","slug":"what-is-the-mississippi-river-known-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-the-mississippi-river-known-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Mississippi River Known For"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Swirling into its delta on the coast of Louisiana, the Mississipi river is the gigantic waterway of America. From its beginnings in Minnesota, the Mississippi cuts a path as it flows south, sweeping up water from 31 US states and two Canadian provinces. Brought to life by Huckleberry Finn, the Mississippi is an icon of American culture and an important source of freshwater and sustenance.<\/p>\n

The Delta region, formed where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico, is a crucial resource. Estimations suggest the Mississippi Delta stores 25% of all the sediment discharge in the US and supports numerous wildlife species. It is also a key traditional and recreational fishing ground, used by the local Couchacho tribe as well as a variety of commercial fishers. The Delta is a key component of the Mississippi and is one of the most productive ecosystems in North America.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi is believed to have been formed over 2.6 billion years ago and has evolved into one of the most important rivers on the planet. It boasts 10.5 million acres of wetlands, the largest freshwater stream system in the US, the world’s largest estuary for birds, and serves as an important source of drinking water for nearly 18 million of people. The river is also home to a vast array of molluscs, fishes, and birds, making it one of the nation’s most diverse habitats.<\/p>\n

In the past, access to the Mississippi was essential for plantation owners in the Deep South. Its waters meant that, during the antebellum years over half of total US exports were transported on the river, with goods including tobacco, cotton, sugar, and rice. The river remains an important commercial waterway, and today conveys an average of 400 million tons of cargo annually.<\/p>\n