The river that changed American history: The Mississippi’s role in shaping a nation | World News – Times of India

The longest river in North America, the Mississippi River, along with its major tributaries, drains an area of almost 1.2 million square miles and carries water from nearly one-eighth of the continent. It starts at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows virtually due south across the continental interior. Halfway through its 3,766-kilometre journey to the Gulf of Mexico, where it void via a vast delta southeast of New Orleans, it is already fed by such important tributaries as the westward-flowing Missouri River and, to the east, Ohio River.

Role of Mississippi River in the United States of America

Economic importance
The Mississippi River is heavily involved in the transportation of goods, both domestic and international— such as agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured products—because it connects the United States with the Gulf of Mexico.It provides easy access to trade with other countries. It contains farmland (fertile) that is a larger part of farmland in any country, making it vital to agricultural produce likely to be grown there, such as soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Cultural and historical impact
The historical and cultural significance of the Mississippi river particularly played a strategic importance during the Civil war as the control of the river was the priority in seizing the main areas along the river that were majorly critical due to the war.
The Mississippi River also plays a significant role culturally as well. The river has inspired a great deal of American literature, music. This also includes Mark Twain’s books emphasising the river’s significance in the cultural identification of America.
Support for ecosystems and wildlife
The Mississippi River acts as the pillar of support for a varied range of ecosystems and wildlife. As it provides the habitat for numerous species of fish, birds and other animals. The flow of the river and the various wetlands being associated with it, played a significant role in the flood control. Numerous efforts were made to manage flooding as the floodplain of the river has been prone to flooding historically.
Demographic influence
Since the Mississippi river acts as the natural boundary for the various US states and marks as the historical marker for state borders.
This river flows through the major cities that include Minneapolis, St Louis, New Orleans etc. These cities hold a major significance in economic and cultural development.
Significance of Mississippi river
In terms of the significant role in shaping the Mississippi River, tourism, and fishing provide approximately $21.4 billion revenue annually supporting over 350000 jobs. The river and floodplain support around 400 different species of wildlife and protect the Mississippi river.
Being the country’s second longest river, the Mississippi provides water for drinking to millions of people and sustains an approximately $12.6 billion shipping industry. This river is one of the world’s important waterways, for trade, transportation and food.