From the visionary generosity of Thomas Jefferson to the stalwart leadership of the first Americans, the Louisiana Purchase is an event that many claim decisively shaped American history. Spanning 828,000 square miles and encompassing all or part of 15 of today’s US states, the vast tract of land in question was not only a major territorial land grab for the young nation, it was also a symbolic purchase of democracy. But does the Louisiana Purchase include the Mississippi River?
In a word, yes. When Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase agreement with France in 1803, it included the Mississippi River and with it, access to the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, the geography of the region alone compelled the US to acquire the Mississippi, as it would have been impossible to navigate the waters of the area without direct access to the gulf. Thus, the Mississippi was a major factor in making the Louisiana Purchase a bargain.
Understanding the nuances of the purchase itself further illustrate the importance of the Mississippi. After France acquired the territory from Spain, they sought to keep the Mississippi closed to Americans for fear of imminent US-Euro relations. Despite the worries, when Jefferson negotiated the purchase with France, he made sure to keep the river open to US use.
Aside from geography, the influence of the Mississippi River on the Louisiana Purchase is examined in terms of trade and human movement. Scholars agree that the Mississippi River provided a major artery of the slave trade, an area of export of goods, and an avenue of growth in American settlement patterns. The Mississippi has equally impacted the modern development of the Louisiana Purchase region, with the success of the cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge heavily tied to the river.
However, questions remain as to the efficacy of the Mississippi as an economic asset and whether it has truly provided the prosperity it once promised. For example, some argue that the Mississippi is not configured in an economically efficient manner, due to excess bends and turns that slow the barges and canal boats hauling goods. Others argue that the Mississippi has not been free from the damage of human interference and even natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which created considerable destruction of the three particularly well-traveled waterways — the Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and Red rivers.
Agriculture
Despite these challenges, the Mississippi is still regarded as an essential component of agricultural commerce in the region. With its abundance of nutrient-rich soil, together with a plentiful water supply from the Mississippi, the surrounding regions enjoy a fruitful crop-growing season and a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. Farmers in this area have come to rely on the Mississippi, not only for crop irrigation, but also for flooding control, using the river’s abundant resources to maintain a state of equilibrium between the verdant farmland and the surrounding marshland areas.
Effects of Pollution
Though the Mississippi River serves as a vital source of sustenance for the communities that rely on it, it is also among the most polluted rivers in the country due to industrial runoff, sewage, and agricultural runoff. As a result, powerful initiatives have been implemented over the years to reduce and control the extent of contamination that has plagued the river.
For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency has setup the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, which aims to regulate the discharges of hazardous materials into the waterways, as well as the Toxics Release Inventory program, which requires companies to report their use of chemicals. These efforts have gone a long way in curbing the negative environmental impact of the river.
Infrastructure
The Mississippi River has seen rapid human development over the years with the implementation of bridges, railways, and navigation systems to support river trade. In the last century alone, hundreds of bridges have been built along the Mississippi, and dozens of locks, dams, and barrages have been installed to manage the river’s current and water levels, allowing for better navigability and access. These investments, along with the emergence of reliable communications networks, such as the internet, have enabled faster transporting of goods and people, allowing for increased commerce and increased opportunities for those living in the region.
Mississippi River National Parks
Moreover, the Mississippi River is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and it has been designated a protected area since the end of the industrial revolution. Through the establishment of the Mississippi River National Recreation Area, citizens have access to a vast natural playground with close proximity to attractions such as the Great River Road and the St. Louis Arch, providing a perfect setting for leisurely activities like rafting, fishing, and biking. Additionally, the recreational area is home to several endangered species, such as the yellow-spotted lilly and the bald eagle, making it a required destination for nature enthusiasts.
Policy Initiatives
Of great importance for the longevity of the Mississippi’s resources is the emergence of policy initiatives proposed by the state and federal government. Many of these initiatives focus on preservation and conservation measures to maintain the river’s current health, such as funding research programs, implementing fishing limits, and introducing limitations on the use of the river for transportation and trade purposes. Additionally, the Mississippi serves as an important artery for the increasing popularity of eco-tourism.
Water Quality
Despite the efforts of state and federal authorities, water quality along the Mississippi has suffered due to the combined effects of pollution, industrial runoff, and agricultural waste. Though the river remains a haven for wildlife and fishermen, the negative environmental consequences of the inappropriate use of the Mississippi’s resources is unmistakable. Nevertheless, the various efforts to reduce the amount of water pollution are ongoing, allowing individuals to take advantage of the river’s natural beauty in a safe and responsible manner.
Environmental Impact
The ecological context of the Mississippi River is also worth considering in the conversation surrounding the Louisiana Purchase. Significant changes in the environment have been documented in recent years, such as increases in the river’s water temperature and a reduction in the natural flow of water, leaving parts of the river more at risk of flooding during heavy rains. These environmental changes are due, in part, to the impact of urban and suburban development along the banks of the river, a phenomenon which environmental analysts have repeatedly warned against.
Overall, the Mississippi River surely had a significant role to play in the Louisiana Purchase, and its significance to the region remains undiminished today. From its status as a major transportation avenue and conduit for trade, to its contribution to agricultural production and protection of the environment, the Mississippi River is indeed part of the Louisiana Purchase legacy.
