2006 39c MS-MO River, Longest River Sys,

U.S. #4065
Mississippi-Missouri River System
Wonders of America

Issue Date: May 27, 2006
City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 204,000,000
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforation: Serpentine die cut 10 ¾
Color: Multicolored<...  more

U.S. #4065
Mississippi-Missouri River System
Wonders of America

Issue Date: May 27, 2006
City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 204,000,000
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforation: Serpentine die cut 10 ¾
Color: Multicolored

The Mississippi-Missouri river system is the longest in the United States and the fourth longest in the world. The Missouri River begins in Montana, flows into the Mississippi River in St. Louis, and drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi-Missouri river system stretches more than 3,700 miles.

The Mississippi-Missouri river system provides drainage for approximately one sixth of North America as it flows north across the Rocky Mountains, east along the plains, and ultimately southeast. Its waters provide natural boundaries between several western U.S. states. The river system is characterized by high silt content and is nicknamed “Big Muddy.”

America’s westward expansion relied heavily upon the Mississippi-Missouri river system. French and Spanish fur traders traveled its waters during the 18th century. The U.S. acquired the entire Missouri River in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Lewis and Clark rode the waterway during their historic expedition in search of a route to the Pacific Ocean.

The river system was a vital means of transportation before the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Today, the Mississippi-Missouri river system provides recreation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.