What is one of the two longest rivers in the United States?

The Mississippi River is recognized as one of the two longest rivers in the United States, stretching approximately 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, serving as a key transportation route and a vital resource for commerce, agriculture, and wildlife.

The river’s extensive network of tributaries also contributes to its length and the complexity of its watershed. This intricate system plays an essential role in the ecology of the surrounding areas, providing habitats for numerous species and influencing regional weather patterns. In contrast, while the Ohio, Colorado, and Rio Grande rivers are notable and important rivers within the U.S., they do not surpass the Mississippi River in length, with the Ohio being approximately 981 miles, the Colorado around 1,450 miles, and the Rio Grande approximately 1,896 miles long.