{"id":13557,"date":"2024-02-08T02:05:10","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T01:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13557"},"modified":"2024-02-08T02:05:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T01:05:10","slug":"which-state-does-mississippi-river-begin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/which-state-does-mississippi-river-begin\/","title":{"rendered":"Which State Does Mississippi River Begin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Mississippi River is one of the most famous rivers in the United States. It is the longest river that starts from the state of Minnesota, runs through 10 states and eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It is not only a major source of transportation and recreation, but also provides a major source of drinking water for million people. <\/p>\n

The source of Mississippi River formation is Lake Itasca, a glacial Lake in the northern part of Minnesota. From here, the river runs south about 3,700 kilometers and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi River serves 16 upper states and two Canadian provinces, thus forming a major waterway system in the United States. All major cities of American Midwest are located near Mississippi River, including Minneapolis, Louisville, Saint Louis, Memphis and New Orleans. <\/p>\n

The physical characteristics of Mississippi River vary significantly along its course. The average depth of river is only 10 feet, however closest to the Gulf of Mexico, the depth can reach as deep as 100 feet. Over the years, a delta has been formed near its mouth, providing ecosystems to millions of species. <\/p>\n

Mississippi River has special economic significance in the United States. According to an estimate, Mississippi River plays a key role in transportation of half of U.S exports and imports. In specific, agricultural goods and fuel are transported along the river. <\/p>\n