The concept of Our Mississippi was developed in 2006 to raise regional and national awareness of the Upper Mississippi River Basin. In 2007, a regional public outreach team was formed through the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program to develop and implement the concept. In 2011, the Our Mississippi expanded to include the entire Mississippi River. By taking a regional approach to public outreach and education the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase awareness of projects, programs and events happening throughout the river basin. 
 
Our Mississippi represents the environment in which state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public work through collaboration and partnership toward long–term sustainability of the economic uses and environmental integrity of the Mississippi River. 
 
Our Mississippi recognizes the river belongs to all of us and chronicles the way the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies and groups are partnering to ensure the river‘s many uses remain for generations to come.