Mississippi River Outside The Shell: 10 Jaw-Dropping Facts About The World’s Enormous River

Without question, the Mississippi River is one of the most famous landmarks in the North American continent. The spot captures the heart of thousands of tourists and even locals because of its incredible jaw-dropping view and rich history. The United States’ story of agriculture, literature, and commerce, the Mississippi River is a national treasure where the most historical occurrence took place. Find out more of the fascinating facts about this treasure that will surely give you another perspective. 

World’s 4th Longest River

This is one of the jaw-dropping Mississippi River facts you should know. The river is enormous. In fact, it is considered as the world’s 4th longest river. It typically takes over 90 days before a single drop of water moves down. The Mississippi River drains much of the land in the United States between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian crests Mountains. 

One of Major River Systems In The World

The Mississippi river leads the list in the most abundant habitat diversification and biological activity. The river is also known for having an enormous size, handling 145 different amphibians, 360 species of fish, 326 of birds, and even 50 many species of mammals. 

Connects With The Missouri Jefferson River

The Mississippi river, or also known as the Western Rivers, is hugely associated with the Missouri Jefferson river, making it the most extensive North America and United States river system. It is also regarded as the world’s largest tributary. 

Mark Twain’s Inspiration

Due to its overwhelming length and rich story, the Mississippi River is one of the biggest inspirations of a famous American writer, Mark Twain, for his various stories: Tom Sawyer, Life On The Mississippi, and the Adventure Of Huckleberry Finn. 

Since the river played a significant role in most writing of Twain’s, it is exposed as a massive force in his arts. He uses it as a conceptual device, symbol, image, and places where a specific pattern develops. 

The Present-Day Massive Source Of Water

Today, the river is a vast source of water of the United States’ 62 cities. Its enormous length can sustain the life of those cities. Without a doubt, even until this present day, the river remains an American’s life, heart, and soul for its significant purposes that sustain its life. 

The Inspiration Between Ol’ Man River

Ol’ Man River is a popular song by Oscar Hammerstein. The great river of Mississippi inspired the lyrics behind the song. The music dictates Americans’ obstacles and struggles in their country, emphasizing that these are endless, like how the river flows. 

Conquered By Martin Strel

After swimming the whole “Great River Road,” a Slovenian swimmer, Martin Strel became a famous public figure in 2002. He just swam this lengthy river for 68 days, aiming for a strong bond of friendship and peace of humanity. Later, he also crossed the incredible risks and lengths of the Amazon, Danube, and Paraná, Yangtze rivers and was the first person to swim all five of the largest rivers on the entire earth.

The Name Comes From Messipi

Did you know that the term Mississippi actually comes from Messipi? Messipi is the French name of the native American Anishinaabe for the river, “Misi-ziibi,” which means the “Great River.” The river was the central western border of the United States in the 18th century. It was initially considered a dividing boundary between the Southern, Eastern, Midwestern, and Western United States after its westward enlargement.  

Divided Into Three Sections

Because of its gigantic size, the Mississippi River is divided into three sections: the upper, middle, and lower Mississippi. The upper portion is from its main headquarters at Lake Itasca to the intersection with the Missouri River; the middle section is from Missouri to the Ohio River, and the lower portion flows from Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Spot Where Worst Maritime Disaster Took Place

It’s in the Mississippi river where the worst disaster in the United States’ maritime history occurred. The disaster claimed the lives of 1,700 soldiers from the Civil War Union. These soldiers had seen all causes of death, grief, and experienced friends and fellow warriors’ death. They had emerged from filthy, illness-ridden civil war detention camps in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. They were all exhausted and wounded, ill, and undernourished. What a sad fate to remember. 

Takeaway

You have probably encountered the name of this historical spot in one of your lessons in history. But, they might be the shallow parts. Those are just the opening chapter of the entire book of the historical mystery of the Mississippi river. 

There’s more information you still don’t know about the river. For sure, those interesting facts mentioned have changed your view about the Mississippi river. Want to personally visit the river someday? Why not? Who knows, you can discover more fascinating facts about it from the locals. If you gain more facts, go on and share it with us.