Which river is considered one of the two longest rivers in the U.S.?

The Mississippi River is considered one of the two longest rivers in the United States, running approximately 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Its significant length and historic importance make it a vital geographical feature in the nation. The river has played a crucial role in trade, transportation, and the settlement patterns of the United States.

In contrast, while the Ohio River, Colorado River, and Rio Grande are all important rivers in the U.S., they do not match the Mississippi River in terms of length. The Ohio River is around 981 miles long, the Colorado River about 1,450 miles, and the Rio Grande approximately 1,896 miles. Thus, only the Mississippi and the Missouri River, which is often considered in conjunction with it, compete for the title of the longest river in the country.