Lewis and Clark were two figures instrumental in the successful exploration of the west in the early 19th century. The duo traveled for three years across the uncharted west, passing through the states of Montana, North & South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and many other places. The two were known for their formidable determination to explore the west, and they eventually reached the Pacific coast in 1805. But did they succeed in crossing the Mississippi River during their journey?
Historians have debated whether Lewis and Clark actually crossed the Mississippi River during their exploration. It has been established that the river was not crossed during their initial expedition, but they did re-cross it in 1806. By this time, they had explored much of the West, and they were on their way back home. The most logical explanation for this is that they initially followed the Missouri River towards their destination, staying away from the larger and more dangerous Mississippi River.
However, there are some who believe that Lewis and Clark did indeed cross the Mississippi River during their journey in 1805. These claims are based on accounts passed down through generations, some of which come from trappers and mountain men who camped alongside the duo. For example, it is believed that the duo spent a few days in the area of Memphis, which would require them to traverse the Mississippi in order to reach there.
The reality is that it remains difficult to know the truth. There is little to no evidence that Lewis and Clark crossed the Mississippi during their journey, and the sources of historical accounts can be unreliable. However, it is interesting to note that the two adventurers did eventually cross the river on their return journey in 1806. This is likely due to the dangers of the river, which could have impeded their exploration.
Ultimately, we can never be sure whether Lewis and Clark crossed the Mississippi River during their expedition. But one thing remains certain – their exploration helped pave the way for America’s settlement of the West. Through their courage and tenacity, they demonstrated that it was possible to traverse this vast area and make it to the other side, regardless of the difficulty which could be encountered.
The 1797 Treaty of San Lorenzo
The 1797 Treaty of San Lorenzo was a formal agreement between Spain and the United States which gave the United States unrestricted access to the Mississippi river. This meant that the United States could legally and freely use the Mississippi in the early 19th century, before Louisiana Purchase was made in 1803. This further strengthens the idea that Lewis and Clark might have crossed the Mississippi during their expedition, as they would have had access to the river prior to the Louisiana Purchase.
The treaty also stipulated that Spain was to recognize the United States’ rights in the region, including that of the navigation of the Mississippi. This clearly implies that Spain was not only granting access to the river to the US, but also that the US had prior claims to it. This suggests that US explorers like Lewis and Clark might have been traversing the waters even before the treaty was signed.
The Treaty of San Lorenzo was a hugely important international agreement as it shaped much of the West as we know it today. Without this treaty, Lewis and Clark might not have been able to gain access to the Mississippi, and the exploration of the West would have looked very different.
The Casqui Expedition
In 1541, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto led a mission known as the Casqui Expedition. The mission sought to explore what is now known as the western United States and parts of the Midwest under Spanish authority. The expedition is significant as it was the first one to make contact with the native people of the region. Furthermore, it is believed to have explored a vast area, crossing multiple rivers including the Mississippi.
Though there is no clear evidence that the expedition crossed the Mississippi River, it is certainly possible that they did. The expedition explored the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi and even parts of Arkansas. It is possible that they traveled along the Mississippi River during this journey. This further establishes that the river may have already been traversed during this time.
The Casqui Expedition is significant in the history of the US as it provides evidence of Spanish exploration of the West. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of the Mississippi River for discovery and exploration, something which was later realized by Lewis and Clark.
Contributions by Local Inhabitants
Though Lewis and Clark are credited with being instrumental in the exploration of the west, it is important to recognize the contributions of the local inhabitants in this process as well. Numerous indigenous tribes and people living in the region helped the duo traverse the terrain. For example, they were welcomed and guided through the area by the Shoshone tribe.
Additionally, various individuals played a part in assisting Lewis and Clark during their journey. One important example is the French-Canadian explorer, Toussaint Charbonneau. Charbonneau was hired by Lewis and Clark to join the expedition and help them during their travels. He was especially helpful due to his background as a fur trapper and his knowledge of the local regions.
It is essential to note that local inhabitants played a crucial role in the successful exploration of the US West. Without their assistance, the journey undertaken by Lewis and Clark would have been much more difficult.
Challenges Encountered While Crossing the River
Though there are no clear records indicating that Lewis and Clark crossed the Mississippi River during their expedition, it is possible that they did so. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the difficulty of crossing the river, even if attempts were made.
The river is incredibly dangerous due to its large size and fast speed. In addition, the region is prone to extreme weather such as floods and tornadoes. This would have posed a serious risk to the expedition, especially if they had attempted to cross the river during this period.
Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure would have certainly made the task difficult. At the time, the area was uncharted and there were few navigational aides. This would have made the navigation of the river for the purpose of exploration much more difficult.
In conclusion, it is evident that Lewis and Clark did not cross the Mississippi during their journey. However, the difficulty associated with this feat reinforces the greatness of their exploration, as it highlights how daunting their task was.
