Mississippi River Valley
The Mississippi Valley stretches 2350 miles from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico and occupies the centre of the United States. The river valley was originally home to numerous Native American groups. By A.D. 1000 many of these groups were engaged in agricultural production in the rich bottomland. France, Spain, and England claimed portions of the valley, and it served as the western boundary of the United States after 1783. The entire valley was acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
This valley offers some of the most scenic views not to be found anywhere. Just to have a glimpse of the beauty and charm associated with this valley visit Lake Pepin and the bluffs along the valley or drive along the river road on both sides of the river, or stop and investigate the various parks, towns, and natural sites. For those interested in bird watching there is ample to do and see as the valley and its nearby environs are excellent for bird-watching. You will be delighted to watch bald eagles at the southern edge of the melting ice on the river. You can also watch a variety of migratory birds, especially water-fowl from late April till May.
The central Mississippi Valley has more earthquakes than any other part of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The geologic structures related to the causes of these quakes lie deeply buried by sedimentary deposits. Ongoing geophysical studies are revealing these hidden features, enabling residents of the region to better prepare for future earthquakes.
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