51 Interesting Facts About Mississippi River

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022

36. Like many other bodies of water around the United States and the world, the Mississippi is subject to seasonal temperature changes. Importantly, being such a large body of water, the average temperatures vary along the length of the river during a given season.

37. During the winter, the average temperatures in the river’s basin ranges from approximately 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) to -12 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit). These are the average temperatures from the subtropical climate in Louisiana South to the Subarctic Minnesota North.

38. During the summer months, average temperatures along the river can range from 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) in Southern Louisiana to 21 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Fahrenheit) in Northern Minnesota.

39. In a similar manner to the variation in average temperatures, average monthly precipitation varies at different locations along the length of the river.

40. Average monthly precipitation ranges from less than one inch (25 mm) over the northern and western Plains to five inches (130 mm) to no more than 3 inches (75 mm) over the majority of the Ohio River section of the Mississippi.

41. Over the eastern section of the basin, the climate of the river can be described as humid, while over the north-south band can be described as sub-humid.

42. The Mississippi provides hydroelectric power that generates electricity for several states. It also provides water to many of these said states.

43. As a significant hydroelectric power source, it is important to note that the Mississippi does not add to the pollution that causes negative impacts on the environment — like climate change.

44. Spain’s Hernando de Soto became the first European to sail on the Mississippi River in 1541.

45. Equally noteworthy is the fact that Louisiana, and by extension parts of the river, were French territory back in the 1700s.

46. After the French and Indian War in the 1760s, which the French lost, the French had to give up some of the land they owned.

47. After losing the war, the Mississippi River became the international boundary resting between territories belonging to the Spanish and the British.

48. Ownership and control of the river would go back and forth between various power brokers of the day (namely, European countries) due in large part to wars (including the American Revolution) and the various treaties that would often follow.

49. It was not until 1803 that the Mississippi River would officially become United States territory. This was made so following what was known as the Louisiana Purchase.

50. Although the early naïve settlers used the river for farming and carrying out their trade activities, it was not until the river officially became American territory that it started to develop into the major commercial trade route it is today.

51. Wars concerning the river would still continue even after it officially became American territory, however. For example, the river was a significant factor in the Civil War, as both North and South (the Union and the Confederacy, respectively) knew that the river would be a significant part of the national life where trade and travel were concerned.

In addition to being important for trade and commercial travel, thanks in large part to its rich history and the sheer majesty of its size, the river is today a major attraction for tourists and even travelers within the United States. The Great River Road makes visiting and viewing this wonder of the world that much easier and more pleasurable.

Largest river in the United States, in discharge, drainage area, or length