The Mississippi River is perhaps the most renowned of America's greatrivers. It is 2,340 miles long, making it the longest river in NorthAmerica. And it drains 1.15 million square miles in the Midwest, thethird-largest river basin in the world. For generations, the river known asthe "Father of Waters" and the "Big Muddy" has inspired artists andwriters, including Mark Twain.
Since 1682, when the explorer LaSalle claimed the entire Mississippi Valleyfor France, the river has been central to the economy of the region.Today, millions of people live in towns large and small along theMississippi. A number of major cities grew up as river ports, includingMinneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans.
River Resources
The Mississippi remains a key economic link through America's heartland.For centuries, floods have replenished the fertile soil of the river'sfloodplain, and agriculture forms the back of the river valley's economy.The paddlewheelers of the 18th century have given way to tugs and barges,which each year move more than 90 million tons of cargo on the UpperMississippi.
The river also helps sustain one of the most diverse wildlife populationsin the world. Its floodplains include dense forests of maple, cottonwoodand willow, which support eagles, herons and egrets. More than 400 speciesof fish thrive in the river, and both commercial and recreational fishingare widespread. In addition, the river provides temporary refuge for 40percent of North America's migratory waterfowl.
Action Plan
The American Heritage Rivers designation for the Upper Mississippiencompasses 58 communities from St. Louis to St. Paul, which together areknown as the "String of Pearls." Among their many plans are redevelopmentof St. Louis' aging port with housing, museums and greenways; creation of a70,000-square-foot Mississippi River Discovery Center in Dubuque; andestablishment of the Tom Sawyer University in the Quad Cities to teach thepublic about the river through classes on land and on the water. Plans alsoinclude a regional marketing strategy highlighting the river?s cultural andnatural heritage, and creation of a network of trails along the riverbanks.
Contacts
The Honorable Robert Maloney, Mayor - City of Hannibal, MO (573)221-0111
The Honorable Terry Duggan, Mayor - City of Dubuque, IA (319) 556-2525
Kathy Wine, River Action, Inc., Davenport, IA (319) 322-2969
