A monument formerly located in Itasca State Park, marking the origin of the Mississippi River at the outlet of Lake Itasca in Minnesota. The monument consists of a partial tree trunk with a flat rectangular surface cut out on one side. Carved into the flat surface, and painted brilliant orange yellow, is: “HERE 1475 FT / ABOVE / THE OCEAN / THE MIGHTY / MISSISSIPPI / BEGINS / TO FLOW / ON ITS / WINDING WAY / 2552 MILES / TO THE / GULF / OF MEXICO.” Circa 1975-1988.

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