The Great Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is one of America's bestsub-tributaries, namely the Platte River and the
natural assets. It plays a vital role in its history.Tennessee River.
Learn more on the characteristic of this nationalThe Mississippi River is a historical site and one of
treasure.America's most valued parts of its natural
The Mississippi River is one of the most popularpossessions. It is also a sanctuary to over 320
rivers in the United States. The river's length istypes of birds. The river is also an integral part of
3,770 kilometers making it the 2nd longest river inthe surrounding communities contributing to the
the country. The river begins at the Lake Itascaeconomy and environmental aspect. It has been
part of Minnesota up to the Gulf of Mexico. Thean inspiration in the creation of a cultural heritage.
term Mississippi is taken from the word OjibweThe Mississippi River has also been a subject in
which literally means Great River.many cultural, music and arts. Novels have been
The history of the Mississippi River was tracedwritten, songs have been composed pertaining to
back over 300,000 years ago. It was the Illinoisthe wonders of this river.
glaciers which have barred the Mississippi RiverThe river is presently one of the tourist
close to Rock Islands that caused it to divert toattractions in the U.S. It is a famous place for
its existing route, and stretching towards thewater skiing. Historically, the sport of water skiing
western borders of Illinois.was discovered in this river by Ralph Samuelson
A change in the route of the Mississippi River wasduring 1922. It was also in Mississippi River that
caused by earthquakes next to the fault zone ofthe first ski jump was held in 1925.
New Madrid which sits at the center of St. LouisThe Mississippi River boasts of its seven National
and Memphis. The three major earthquakes whichParks which attract a lot of local and foreign
happened during the year 1811 and 1812 havetourists every year. The Mississippi National River
caused the temporary reversal of the river. Theand Recreation Area was organized in order to
Reverie settlement located in Tennessee wasprotect and preserve the environment of the
stopped from the Tipton County and wasriver.
diverted to the area of the Arkansas River. TheThere are other organizations established who join
earthquakes have also led to the formation of theforces in protecting the river. All joining this
Reelfoot Lake.worthy cause are Jean Lafitte National Historical
Later on, the lower part of the Mississippi RiverPark and Preserve, Jefferson National Expansion
have naturally diverted to its ending path to theMemorial, Effigy Mounds National Monument,
entrance of the Gulf of Mexico. This phenomenonNatchez National Historical Park, Vicksburg National
occurred because river's channel was blocked withMilitary Park and the New Orleans Jazz National
deposits of mud. The water level rose as a result.Historical Park.
The Mississippi River passes through ten majorThere are a lot of cruise lines which offers great
states of the United States and serves astravel packages for tourists to have an
boundaries for these states.opportunity to witness the magnificent wonder of
In addition, Mississippi River is combined with otherthis historical river. Tourist can enjoy visiting the
rivers which serve as tributaries. These riversten states, all parts of the Mississippi River. Hotels
include St. Croix River, Minnesota River, Wisconsinand restaurants are abundant to cater to the
River, Iowa River, Skunk River, Des Moines Riverneeds of the travelers.
and the Illinois River. The river also has