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The Mighty Mississippi: America’s Economic Lifeline

The Mississippi River stands as a critical artery of the American economy, surpassing any other geographic feature in its role as a navigable waterway. Stretching approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) without significant interruptions, it serves as a commercial waterway unmatched globally. The river’s tributaries—such as the Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio rivers—enhance its navigability, allowing goods from various regions to be transported efficiently and cost-effectively to ports like New Orleans.