The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, and one of the longest and most important rivers in North America. Taken together, the Missouri and Mississippi would be the fourth largest river in the world. Standing alone, the Missouri drains 1/6th of the North American continent. During the period of westward expansion, the westward trails—including the Oregon Trail, which began in Independence, Missouri—all started on the Missouri River.
Major Tributaries
Jefferson River, Madison River, Gallatin River, Milk River, Yellowstone River, Knife River, Grand River, White River, Platte River, Kansas River, Blue River, Osage River
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References
Fast Facts
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Length
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Fact:
Almost the same length as the Mississippi River
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Drains 1/6th of North American continentInfolink: The Missouri River Story
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Nicknames
Big Muddy, Dark River, Wide MissouriAbsolute Astronomy: Missouri River
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Basin countries
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French explorers were first Westerners to see the river
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Begins in Montana and runs through South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri
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Was a major route west in the exploration of the United States
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The Lewis and Clark Expedition explored the river, looking for a route to the Pacific OceanNational Park Service: Lewis and Clark
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There are six dams in Missouri RiverAbsolute Astronomy: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Missouri_River Missouri River]
