The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, flowing from its source at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It passes through or borders ten states, and its watershed drains all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
The river has a length of 2,340 miles (3,766 kilometers) and is a major transportation artery, with its watershed covering about 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square kilometers). It has several tributaries, including the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers.
The Mississippi River has played a significant role in the history and culture of the United States. Native American tribes, such as the Choctaw, Sioux, and Chippewa, have lived along its banks for thousands of years. It also served as a vital trade route for early European explorers and settlers.