Which river is recognized as the longest river in the United States?

Which river is recognized as the longest river in the United States?

• A. Mississippi River
• B. Colorado River
• C. Missouri River
• D. Columbia River

Answer: (C)

The Missouri River is recognized as the longest river in the United States, stretching approximately 2,341 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. This distinguishes it as the longest river in the U.S., as it surpasses the length of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River, while one of the longest rivers in North America, actually has a length of about 2,340 miles, making it marginally shorter than the Missouri River. The Colorado River is known for its dramatic canyons and is significant for its flow through the Grand Canyon, but its total length is around 1,450 miles, which is considerably shorter than both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The Columbia River, originating in the Rocky Mountains and flowing into the Pacific Ocean, has a length of about 1,243 miles and does not compare in length with the Missouri or Mississippi rivers. Thus, the distinction of the Missouri River as the longest river in the United States is based on its overall length and its role in the hydrology of the region, making it the correct answer.

The Missouri River is recognized as the longest river in the United States, stretching approximately 2,341 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. This distinguishes it as the longest river in the U.S., as it surpasses the length of the Mississippi River.

The Mississippi River, while one of the longest rivers in North America, actually has a length of about 2,340 miles, making it marginally shorter than the Missouri River. The Colorado River is known for its dramatic canyons and is significant for its flow through the Grand Canyon, but its total length is around 1,450 miles, which is considerably shorter than both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The Columbia River, originating in the Rocky Mountains and flowing into the Pacific Ocean, has a length of about 1,243 miles and does not compare in length with the Missouri or Mississippi rivers.

Thus, the distinction of the Missouri River as the longest river in the United States is based on its overall length and its role in the hydrology of the region, making it the correct answer.