In the early 19th century, Mississippi River crossing was of great importance for the settlers of the United States. The river posed a considerable difficulty for the travelers, as it ran at a very wide and deep channel, along with a swift current.
One of the most common ways the settlers used to cross the Mississippi River was on ferries. Commercial boats and rafts were used to transport people across to the other side of the river. This was seen as the most reliable way of easy and safe transportation, however the cost of ferry crossings was expensive, and it also took a considerable amount of time.
At that time, there were also a large number of bridges connecting the two sides of the river. In 1817, the first bridge which crossed the Mississippi was built in Memphis. Since then, the number of bridges has steadily increased and today, there are dozens of bridges which cross the river. These bridges helped connect the two sides of the country, making it easy and less expensive for travelers to cross the Mississippi River.
Another traditional method used to cross the river was wading. People would wade through the river in shallow areas and use sticks or poles to help them stay afloat. Although this was a time-consuming and often dangerous way of crossing, most people preferred this to the other methods because it was free.
As technology advanced, so did the methods of crossing the Mississippi. Ballooning came about in the mid-19th century, and for a short time, was the fastest way to cross the river. The balloons, propelled by hot air, were launched from both sides of the river, and made their way to the other side at high speeds. However, hot air balloons could not operate in all weather conditions, so they were unreliable and often dangerous.
The final way of crossing the river was by using steamboats. The steamboats were powered by steam engines and were the most advanced option of transportation in the 19th century. As technology progressed further, the steamboats became reliable, fast, and safe. They were used by millions of travelers and settlers, who relied on them to traverse across the Mississippi.
Early settlers had many methods of crossing the Mississippi River. From ferries and bridges to steamboats and hot air balloons, travelers could use the most reliable option for their needs. As technology advanced in the 19th century, the number of safe and reliable options for crossing the Mississippi also increased, allowing for an easier passage for the pioneers of America.
Ferries
In the early 19th century, ferries were the main form of crossing the Mississippi River. They were seen as the most reliable transportation method, though the cost of crossing was high. The ferries were powered by steam engine, but their speed and ability to cross the river quickly was hampered by strong winds and strong currents.
Travelers had to adapt their ferries by adding sails and oars to increase the speed and efficiency of the crossing. It was also common for the ferries to be outfitted with awnings to protect travelers from the blazing sun while crossing the Mississippi.
Despite being expensive, the ferries were the most reliable form of transportation for getting across the Mississippi River during this time period. By 1860, there were more than 1000 ferries running along the length of the river, providing access to the other side.
Bridges
Another option used by early settlers for crossing the Mississippi River was bridges. In 1817, the first bridge which crossed the Mississippi was built in Memphis. This bridge was a wooden structure and had to be manually operated by humans. The cost of crossing the bridge was also considerably lower than for ferry crossings.
By 1860, there were 19 bridges which spanned the Mississippi River, with some of them measuring more than 1000 ft in length. Bridges made it easier and less expensive for travelers to cross, and provided a way for the two sides to be linked.
Additionally, places such as New Orleans and St. Louis, with significant river crossings, invested heavily in bridge construction, which resulted in more efficient and faster transportation across the river.
Wading
Wading was a popular option for travelers who wanted to cross without spending a lot of money. Although this form of river crossing was time-consuming and dangerous, many people still resorted to it.
At that time there were also few steamboats that could cross safely, as most of them sunk in the river. Wading, however, was free and could be done by anyone with enough courage and strength to cross the river. People would tie sticks or poles to their waists, which would help them to stay afloat in the water.
This, however, was only feasible in shallow areas of the Mississippi River. It was not recommended to cross in areas deeper than 7 ft, and travelers had to know exactly where to cross in order to ensure their safety.
Hot Air Balloons
Hot air balloons were first introduced in the mid-19th century, and were a novel way to cross the Mississippi River. They were propelled by hot air and could cross the river at high speeds. This was a much faster and reliable way to traverse the river compared to wading and ferry crossings.
Although hot air balloons could move very quickly, they were limited by the weather and could not operate in certain conditions. During bad weather or strong winds, the hot air balloons were not able to make it across the river safely and would often be forced to land in the middle of the river.
Also, the hot air balloons were expensive, and could not be used by people who did not have enough money to cross by this method.
Steamboats
Steamboats were the newest form of transportation in the 19th century and they were powered by steam engines. By the mid 1800s, steamboats had become reliable and safe, and they were used by millions of travelers and settlers. The steamboats could cross the river swiftly, providing access to both sides of the Mississippi River with ease.
Additionally, the arrival of the railroad further increased the options for transportation along the river. In 1857, the first railroad line was completed, connecting both sides of the river. Later, in 1888, the first automobile bridge was built, providing an easier and quicker option for people to cross the Mississippi.
In the 20th century, a network of highways and bridges was built, further increasing the convenience of traveling across the river. Along with railroads and automobiles, this network of bridges and highways further revolutionized the way people traveled across the Mississippi River.
