What was the importance of the Mississippi River?

What was the importance of the Mississippi River?

As the nation’s second-longest river, behind only the conjoining Missouri, the Mississippi provides drinking water for millions and supports a $12.6 billion shipping industry, with 35,300 related jobs. It’s one of the greatest water highways on earth, carrying commerce and food for the world.

Why was the Mississippi River so important to early settlements?

Settlers and traders set out on the river in flatboats, keelboats, and rafts. The importance of the river for transportation and trade greatly increased in the early 1800s as paddle wheeled steamboats became popular. Cities along the Mississippi such as St. Louis boomed.

Why was the Mississippi River so important for us control?

Control of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War was an economic and psychological factor for both the North and the South. For many years, the river had served as a vital waterway for mid-western farmers shipping their goods to the eastern states by way of the Gulf of Mexico.

Why are the locks on the Mississippi River important?

The locks on the Mississippi lower and raise boats, ships, and other vehicles that travel on water. If the land around the Mississippi is not level they use locks to help the boats get up or down the unleveled water/land.

What to do in the Mississippi River towns?

Historical, Cultural Attractions in Mississippi River Towns. What To Do in Each Community, Museums, Hiking, Biking, Getting on the River

Where are the tributaries of the Mississippi River?

With its tributaries, the Mississippi drains all or part of 31 U.S. states and two provinces in Canada. Itasca, Lake Lake Itasca, Itasca State Park, northwestern Minnesota. Cbkarim

How is the elevation of the Mississippi River controlled?

From St. Paul to St. Louis, Missouri, the river elevation falls much more slowly and is controlled and managed as a series of pools created by 26 locks and dams.