Mar 27, 2024 · The Mississippi River is a vital commercial waterway, with barges constantly plying its waters carrying a staggering amount of cargo. These flat-bottomed vessels are essential for transporting bulk commodities like grains, coal, petroleum products, and construction materials.

The Mississippi River barge system ships about 500 million tons of goods each year. The barge industry is the largest segment of the U.S. domestic maritime industry, employing more than 33,000 Americans and providing $100 billion in economic output each year.

Jun 7, 2015 · The barge era began when steam boats came about in the mid-19th century. Here at Tom Sawyer’s RV Park in West Memphis, we see and hear barges on the Mississippi River daily. I’m fascinated by them and did a little research.

Oct 7, 2023 · The most common cargo moved on the Mississippi by barge is coal, which travels down the river from states such as Wisconsin and Illinois. Coal is very important in the United States and is often used to generate power or heat. Barges also carry a number of agricultural products, such as corn and grain, fertilizer, chemicals, and animal feed.

Oct 17, 2023 · Barges on the Mississippi River range from 200 to over 2,000 feet in length, including towboats, the type of craft that transports the barges. Towboats measure anywhere from 65 to 110 feet in length and are attached to the barges, allowing them to be pulled and steered away from the shore.

Oct 22, 2023 · An astonishing amount of goods, both light and heavy, is transported on barges and large ships on the Mississippi River. The most common items transported are petroleum and coal, followed by minerals.

Sep 19, 2023 · A long stretch of hot, dry weather has left the Mississippi River so low that barge companies are reducing their loads just as Midwest farmers are preparing to harvest their crops and send tons of corn and soybeans downriver to the Gulf of Mexico.

Oct 3, 2023 · A barge on the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois on Sept. 18, 2023. Back-to-back years of drought have left the Mississippi River's water levels low.

Oct 2, 2023 · A barge on the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois on Sept. 18, 2023. Back-to-back years of drought have left the Mississippi River's water levels low.

Oct 24, 2024 · In this excellent new video from the documentary YouTuber Wendover Productions, we learn just how extensive and important the United State’s inland river system is and why it’s on the verge of...