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The Mississippi is the longest river in North America. It rises at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows almost due south emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, southeast of New Orléans. This is a distance of over 2,300 miles. The Mississippi River's major tributaries are the Missouri and Ohio rivers.

Many authors including Mark Twain, William Faulkner, and Kate Chopin were inspired by the mighty Mississippi.





The name Mississippi comes from the Anishinaabe word 'Misi-ziibi' which means 'great river'.
The River flows at between 1.2 to 3 miles per hour.
The Civil War Battle of Vicksburg was fought over control of the Mississippi River and was a major turning point in the war.
At its widest point the river is over 7 miles wide.
At its deepest spot the river is over 200 feet deep.
It takes 90 days for a drop of water to travel the entire length of the river.





I love books that not only teach a lesson but also entertain.

The Mississippi River is one of the most important natural features of the United States. Transportation along the mighty Mississippi led to not only early exploration of the continental US but it served as the most vital mode of trade for the young colonies and later the US.


Although I knew some information about the Mississippi river, I learned so many interesting things about the river by reading,' Where is the Mississippi River.' A couple of these things that I learned are where the name Mississippi came from and how control of the river was a major factor in the outcome of the civil war. I also learned a lot about the river's lock system works.



I particularly loved the information about Mark Twain. I am currently reading 'Tom Sawyer,' and the background on Mark Twain's (Samuel Clemons) love for the river tied in perfectly.

An important chapter is the one that describes the great flood 1927. This is a great learning tool for understanding that although the river is beautiful and amazing, it can also be deadly and destructive. Man has tried to tame the river but ultimately we are at its mercy.




The 'Where is...' series is just wonderful and so much fun. They are great tie-ins for American geography lessons. I can't wait to read the rest of this wonderful series.