The Mississippi River

Andrew Koehler

The Mississippi River is the most integral resource in the state of Louisiana that connects the entire state. The river has many uses that allow the state to grow and prosper. First of all, the river was the main reason the state and the cities along the river were created. The country was looking for a direct route from the Gulf of Mexico and the northern states. The Mississippi River allowed for such a connection to take place and as a result, cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge were founded and flourished.

Aiding in the economic growth and creation of the cities was not the only way the river allowed these cities to grow. The Mississippi River physically built cities such as New Orleans. Although the practice has ended, the River used to flood and deposit sediment, raising the elevation of the land. Levees have been built to stop the flooding but the effects of the River’s flooding can be seen today.

The flooding not only created cities but also created the wildlife that Louisiana is known for. The River constantly flooded swampland creating an excellent habitat for fishes, birds and alligators. This habitat assists in the tourism industry as well as the food industry. Although not a direct effect, the creation of the swamp habitat is another way that the Mississippi River positively affects Louisiana.

In addition to the creation of the state, cities and habitats, the river provides transportation. People are able to commute not only between cities in the state but also from different states and countries. This mass transportation allows tourist to find an interesting and accessible mode of transportation into the state. Allowing tourist into the state helps one of Louisiana’s main sources of revenue, tourism, flourish.

The Mississippi River, or the Mighty Mississippi as some locals call it, made the state what it is

today and empowers the state so that it can achieve its maximum level of output. The Mississippi does so in a variety of ways and each unique way brings something new to the table. As long as the Mississippi River is active, it will continually help the state grow to being a bigger and better than ever.