Countries

The 10 Longest Rivers In Louisiana

April 28, 2020

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Louisiana joined the United States in 1812 after the United States purchased Louisiana territory from the French. A large part of the land purchased during the purchase is not included in the current territory. The state has county equivalents called parishes with Plaquemines occupying the largest area. The state is one of the most diverse in the country due to the history of the region as a colony of Spain and France. There are a large number of rivers in the state, the longest being the Mississippi with an approximate length of 2,320 miles.

The 3 largest rivers in Louisiana

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and crosses the 10 states. The river empties into the Mississippi Delta after traveling a distance of 2,320 miles. Hernando De Soto was the first European in history to spot the river. The river played an essential role in American history because it marked the border between the French and American Spanish territories. Native American tribes also settled their villages along the banks of the river, providing them with a constant supply of clean water. During the American Civil War, the north and the south fought hard to gain control of the river. The north captured the river which helped them to win the war decisively. Despite its length and the large amount of

The red river

An ancient tributary of the Mississippi River, the Red River, flows for approximately 1,360 miles before joining the Atchafalaya River. The name was chosen because of the red rocks in the river watershed. The river flows through four states and forms a natural border between Arkansas and Texas. For a long time, Native American tribes lived along the river and evidence was found indicating that communities had adapted to a multitude of conditions. In 2015, the river flooded areas in 4 states, some of the tallest waves reaching more than 35 feet. The river is crossed by a dam, the Denison Dam, which was completed in 1943.

Ouachita River

The Ouachita River is the third longest river in Louisiana and flows over a total length of 605 miles. The river flows through two states of Arkansas and Louisiana, and its waters flow into the Tensas River. The river was named after a Native American tribe whose ancestors have lived along its banks for millennia. The fertile land around the river attracted speculators wishing to invest in it one of them was the grandson of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. The banks of the river were the scene of several battles during the American Civil War.

The importance of rivers

Rivers have been necessary for humanity since prehistoric times, as they provide water not only for drinking but also for domestic and agricultural activities. The rivers offer fishing areas where people and animals get fish that are essential to their diet. River water is used to provide hydroelectric power; a source of clean energy whose production does not pollute the environment. Governments around the world have put in place measures to protect rivers from the ravages of contamination.