2. The Mississippi River-page 75 This river’s source is Lake Itasca in Minnesota. It flows North to South and is the longest river in the United States. 1.The place where a river begins is called the source. The river’s mouth is the place where it empties. Where is the Mississippi River’s mouth?
3. At the beginning of the Mississippi the river is just a shallow creek. As it flows south it grows broader and deeper. Why? The Mississippi is fed by smaller rivers called tributaries. 2. Two tributaries that flow into the Mississippi River are the Missouri River and the Ohio River. See map page 75 and answer questions.
4. Mississippi for Travel The river is used for travel and trade. It is often changing shape because of the flowing water. Read excerpt page 76. In the past 20 years engineers have built walls along parts of the Mississippi to control flooding and keep the river from changing course.
5. New Orleans Where is New Orleans located? Its location has been key to the city’s growth. Goods from all over the U.S. come downriver. When they get to New Orleans they can be shipped to anywhere in the world. New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the nation.
6. Soggy Coast The Mississippi River’s delta is in Louisiana. A delta is the land formed by the soil the river deposits as it flows into the sea. Delta soil is rich and dark and good for farming. The delta area and parts of the Coastal Plain have a low elevation close to sea level making the land wet. We call this a wetland. Wetlands help control floods by soaking up water. Wetlands are also a home for animals such as alligators, crawfish, and falcons.
