During the colonization of western America, the Mississippi River served as a major boundary and would prove a difficult hurdle to cross. By the mid-1800s, this mighty river had become the main barrier of entry and exit for any trade routes. Overcoming the Mississippi River became a major priority for many settlers, and it was ultimately achieved through a combination of sailing, ferrying and building bridges to cross the waterway safely.
Settlers first tried to sail vessels across the Mississippi. This was a time consuming, difficult and dangerous task because of the magnitude of the river. Despite the difficulties, this method was used from the very early days of colonisation and was even used by the first French explorers to cross the Mississippi and set up forts along the banks. Unfortunately, high winds, strong currents and the unpredictable nature of the river created major danger for sailing vessels and, though some boats were eventually able to traverse the waters this way, many experienced tragic accidents or got stuck, or lost their way.
Ferries were then developed to replace sailing vessels. These were flat-bottomed boats that could carry both passengers and cargo, but also needed to be loaded and unloaded by hand. They were strategically placed in spots where the river was particularly difficult to cross and were operated by two poles, or sometimes oars or a small engine, on the same side of the boat. With the advent of these ferries, the time to cross the Mississippi was cut hugely and many new settlements were able to come into existence.
After the introduction of ferries, the need for a more reliable way to cross the Mississippi became apparent. Bridging the River had been attempted before but it was difficult and dangerous due to the strength of the river’s currents and the height of its banks. However, after some innovations had been developed in the construction of sturdy piers, the first bridge was eventually built across the Mississippi in 1804. The success of this bridge encouraged the building of further bridges along the banks of the river and eventually created a navigable path across the entire waterway.
The crossing of the Mississippi River was a long and difficult process for settlers. The combination of sailing vessels, ferries and bridges eventually led to the success but earning the right to this accomplishment took many decades of hard work and continuous innovation. The crossing of the Mississippi River led to the expansion of America’s western states and cemented its colonization.
Effects of Colonization
Crossing the Mississippi had far reaching effects on the colonization of western America. Initially, settlers were drawn to the area to farm, or to search for fur, oil and other resources. Over time, towns and cities built up along the banks of the river, providing a safe passage and a place to trade goods between the east and west. The river also served as a major gateway to the Mississippi Delta and the many small but fertile regions surrounding it, drawing people from all around the world to try their luck at this new system of living.
The crossing of the Mississippi River enabled the establishment of new trading routes and the development of profitable enterprises that relied on the transportation of goods. The shipping industry also saw monumental development, with goods arriving from all over the world due to the accessible route provided by the river. Meanwhile, settlers and traders made good use of the ability to journey in both directions across the Mississippi. This new freedom to explore the region, and to establish new towns and cities, made way for a massive increase in population in the West.
The crossing of the Mississippi River ultimately transformed the American landscape, contributing to the nation’s population, industry and economy in a way that surpassed all expectations. This new freedom and prosperity brought about the colonization of the American West and, ultimately, the settling of the entire continent.
Social Impact of Crossing the Mississippi
Crossing the Mississippi River also had a major social impact on all of America’s western states, an impact that has been felt to this very day. The influx of settlers brought diverse and varied cultures, languages and customs to the newly discovered regions. Along with these, however, came a darker truth: The displacement of the Native American tribes and long-established civilizations, which had lived in the area for generations. Throughout the colonization period these people were systematically removed from the banks of the river, creating a marginalised and commonly forgotten community.
The social impact of the colonization of the Mississippi was also felt in the African-American community with the rise of slavery in the West. The use of slaves as a cheap labor force in the cotton and tobacco plantations was a common practice in the region and it was largely enabled by the crossing of the Mississippi. This practice, although now abolished, created immense racial tension and division in the American West and can still be seen in the present-day.
The development of America’s western landscape would not have been possible without the crossing of the Mississippi River. Although this achievement enabled the nation to grow and expand, it came with a cost to the communities living close to the river’s banks. The social impact of colonization was long lasting and still bears its scars in America’s western states today.
Development of Transportation Along the River
The settlement of the American West was heavily influenced by the development of transportation along the Mississippi River. From sailing boats to ferries and eventually bridges, the river provided a steady, reliable means of travelling between east and west, creating additional paths of transportation and aiding the growth of new trading routes.
New railway and roads were constructed along the banks of the Mississippi, allowing for the development of more reliable goods transportation. The river also opened up access to more remote and less populated parts of the country, bridges and ports allowing for additional development in terms of trade and Manufacturing industries. This, in turn, led to even further settlement of the area and created a larger and more diverse population.
The transportation industry along the Mississippi River eventually settled and expanded into a network of roads and railways that reached further and further West. Almost everything, from goods, to people, to ideas, were able to travel throughout America’s western states through this form of transportation. With this, new cities were built, new trades established, and new life-styles were introduced, all a result of the developments created by crossing the Mississippi River.
Impact on Ecosystems and Wildlife
The crossing of the Mississippi River also had a major impact on the surrounding ecosystems and wild life. The impact of the colonization process saw the destruction of numerous wetlands and forests, resulting in the loss of many species of plants and animals. One of the most affected was the American Alligator, whose population had been reduced by almost 70% due to the draining of wetlands from farming and construction along the Mississippi.
The impact of the colonization of the American West exceeded the boundaries of the land itself, reaching out to the surrounding rivers, including the Mississippi. Increased levels of pollution were present in the water, with chemicals and trash being dumped in massive quantities. This, combined with the over fishing of the waters, disrupted the natural habitats of many fish species, leading to decrease in their numbers and, eventually, to their disappearance from many parts of the river.
The colonization of the Mississippi River had a drastic effect on the surrounding ecosystems and wildlife. Far from being a success, the crossing of the Mississippi proved to be a double-edged sword and the environmental impact of the river’s settlements is still present today.
Conclusion
The crossing of the Mississippi River ultimately changed the course of history for settlers in the West. From sailing vessels and ferries to bridges, the river was traversed and opened up the wilderness that was previously not accessible. This, in turn, allowed for the colonization of the American West, bringing with it an influx of people, cultures and industries that would shape the future of the United States. Although this achievement had far-reaching consequences, it also came with a cost that, to this day, still echoes in the communities living along the Mississippi River.
