7 Most Important Rivers in the World

Mississippi River

Mississippi River is considered the largest or biggest river system in North America and the US. It has about 2,320 miles (3,730 km) length. The river begins at Lake Itasca and empties under New Orleans (Gulf of Mexico). The popular steamboats opened trade on the Mississippi in the 1820s. Timber, food, and cotton were carried down the river. After the coming of the railways in the 1880s, steamboats gradually decreased although they remained until the 1920s. A few steamboats, like Delta Queen, have remained as icons.

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