Valley of the Mississippi River near Clinton, Iowa, 1899

Courtesy of Library of Congress, "Valley of the Mississippi, near Clinton, Iowa," Detroit Publishing Co., 1899

Description

This photograph captures the Mississippi River Valley near Clinton, Iowa, in 1899.

Look closely at this photo and compare it with the photo of Des Moines River Valley. How are the land features the same? How are they different?
The Mississippi River creates the eastern border of Iowa. Why would using a river to create a state border be helpful? Why would it not be helpful?

"Valley of the Mississippi, near Clinton, Iowa," Detroit Publishing Co., 1899. Courtesy of Library of Congress