French exploration of the Mississippi River began in 1534 when a French naval officer and explorer, Jacques Cartier, attempted to find an aquatic route to Asia. He was looking for an alternate route for the fur trade, which was then largely occurring through the St. Lawrence River. Cartier’s explorations along the St. Lawrence in search of a navigable waterway continued for some time, but he was eventually unsuccessful.
In 1673, French explorer Louis Jolliet, accompanied by the Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette, set off from Quebec City and eventually reached the mouth of the Mississippi. They explored the river to the point of current-day Arkansas, but declined to go further due to the concerns of traveling too far from European settlements in North America at the time.
Jolliet and Marquette left behind a journal of their trip, in which they claimed to have seen native tribes living along the banks of the mighty river. This provided the first documented evidence of human life in the region.In 1682, French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, completed the journey Jolliet began. He and his crew navigated the entire Mississippi River and eventually arrived in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the first Europeans to ever do so.
Interest in the region grew after La Salle’s exploits, prompting the formation of the French Mississippi Valley Fur Trade Company in 1717. This organization played a major role in the exploration and settlement of the region, sending out more than 20 exploratory missions to map out the area.
The most famous of these was the expedition led by the explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. La Salle’s well-known expedition started in Canada and advanced down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. His discoveries helped set the stage for the colonization of the Gulf Coast by the French.
In 1731, French explorer Jean Baptiste Bienville established the first permanent European settlement in the region. Named Mobile, this city served as a port city and an entrepôt for the French fur trade with the native peoples of the region.
In the late 1700s, the French were involved in conflicts with the British and other colonial powers. This led to the termination of France’s involvement in the region, and the transfer of most of their territories west of the Mississippi to Spain in 1763.
The Louisiana Purchase
While France retained control of the area east of the Mississippi River, it was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 that brought the entire region west of the river under American control. This territory, which was bought from France, now accounts for 15 states in the United States.
The Louisiana Purchase had an immense impact on the development of the United States, providing the country with rich resources and a new population of settlers. It increased the size of the US by more than a third and opened up the potential to settle and exploit the region on a larger scale.
The influence of the French culture on the region is still evident today. French names and words are still used in some areas, and the architecture of some cities reflects the French style of the 18th century.
French Fur Trading
The French, who had a major presence on the continent for centuries before the Louisiana Purchase, had a major role in the fur trade in the Mississippi Valley. They introduced a variety of goods to the native peoples of the region and established trading relationships that lasted for many years.
The fur trade was essential to the region’s economy during the era, providing the French with valuable resources such as animal hides, feathers, and other materials. The native peoples of the area were also involved in trapping and trading animals, which allowed them to get goods they otherwise would not have been able to obtain.
The fur trade was also a factor in the French settlement of the region. Many of the French fur traders established farms and made a living by cultivating the land. This not only helped to support the region’s economy, but also helped to spread French culture.
The legacy of the French fur trade is still evident today, as many of the native peoples of the Mississippi Valley still practice their traditional techniques of trapping and trading animals.
French Influence on the Mississippi River
The French contributed greatly to the development of the Mississippi River as a major transportation route and commercial center. French explorers and pioneers were the first Europeans to navigate the length of the river and established many trading posts along its banks.
These trading posts served as centers of commerce and helped to spread French culture throughout the region. French languages and customs are still used in some of the areas along the banks of the river. In addition, many of the names of towns and rivers in the region are derived from the French language.
The French were also instrumental in developing navigation techniques on the Mississippi River. They used paddles and sails to navigate the river, and their navigational techniques were later adapted by the Americans.
The French also helped to chart the Mississippi River. This charting provided important information to future traders and settlers, as well as helping to increase trade opportunities.
French Impact on American Culture
In addition to the economic impact of the French presence in the Mississippi Valley, the French also had a major influence on American culture. French words and customs are still used in many of the cities in the region, and the architecture of many of the old towns reflects the French style.
The French also introduced several culinary delicacies to the United States, such as gumbo and po’boys. These dishes are still popular today and are an example of the lasting legacy of the French presence in the United States.
The French also had a major impact on the development of American music. The French introduced many musical styles to the region, such as jazz and Cajun, and these styles were later adapted by American musicians.
Finally, the French influence can be seen in many of the major cities along the banks of the Mississippi. Many of these cities, such as New Orleans, Louisiana, reflect the influence of French culture, and the French explorers who helped to settle them.
Legacy of French Exploration
The legacy of French exploration in the Mississippi Valley lies in the lasting effects it had on the region. The French played a major role in the settling and developing of the region, introducing new economic opportunities and influencing the culture.
Today, the French presence in the Mississippi Valley is still evident in many ways. French names and words are used in the local language, and their influence on the cuisine and architecture is still present. In addition, their influence on American music is still felt today.
The contributions of the French to the region were immense, and they will continue to shape the Mississippi Valley for years to come.
