Christopher Columbus is widely known as the explorer who ‘discovered’ the New World in 1492, but did you know that he actually wasn’t the first to cross the Mississippi River? Many people assume that Columbus made the first voyage, but there is evidence that he was not the first explorer to cross the MS River.
Columbus may have been the first European to reach the New World, but he didn’t set foot in the present-day United States. According to historical records, the first explorer to cross the Mississippi River was Hernando de Soto in 1541. He was an explorer from Spain and was searching for gold and other riches when he crossed the river.
Another explorer, René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, explored the Mississippi in 1682 and claimed the Mississippi River valley all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico for France. He explored up the Mississippi River in a canoe to get a better understanding of the land.
Experts suggest that Native Americans were likely the first inhabitants to cross the MS River. In fact, archeologists have purported that native inhabitants were living in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi up to 6,000 years ago.
It is speculated that the Choctaw and Lakota tribes were the most populated around the time of Columbus’s arrival. Not much is known about exactly how the tribes navigated the Mississippi or what they encountered during their journeys. It is, however, likely that the Mississippi River played a significant part in the lifestyle of many of the Native American tribes.
Christopher Columbus and his ships travelling through the Caribbean may have been the first Europeans to set foot in the America’s, but research suggests that he was not the first to cross the Mississippi River. It appears that many of the Native American tribes may have been the first people to pass through the river, although there’s still a lot to learn about this period of history.
Impacts to the Environment and Landscape
The impacts of the Mississippi River passage on the land and environment around it cannot be understated. From the disruption of wildlife habitats to the erosion of soil along the banks, the effects of this large body of water are far-reaching and multidimensional. The region experienced dramatic changes as the trails of exploration developed, as well as mass immigration of European and African Americans travelling westward.
The physical impact of the river to the land and environment is multifaceted and still being studied by experts today. Every type of creature that lives and travels near the Mississippi has been affected by these movements and journey. These can range from fish, to birds, to mammals, and the plants they specialize in eating.
In some areas, the presence of the river has allowed the inhabitants to create settlements and farmlands where they can cultivate crops and livestock, adding sustenance and commerce to their lives. Still, the combination of transportation and vitally high water levels has also been detrimental to the wetlands and swamps of the region, many of which eventually dried up due to the activity.
Political Change
The travels of explorers down the Mississippi River changed its political landscape as well. With the French and Spanish establishing stable territorial claims along the bank it sparked a great rivalry between both European powers. The river also played a pivotal role in the Civil War, following the secession of the Confederate states.
The Confederacy relied heavily on the cotton farms located on the fertile banks of the Mississippi to supply the northern mills, which in turn provided crucial income to the Confederate government. The Union’s strategy to gain the upper hand was to seize control over the river, cutting off the Confederacy’s economic lifeline.
After a long and fierce battle, the Union eventually succeeded in capturing the port cities north of Vicksburg, effectively controlling the flow of the river. This resulted in a steady decrease of revenue and supplies for the Confederacy, effectively weakening it and eventually leading to its capitulation.
Industrial Takeoff
Having good transportation like the Mississippi River opened up new economic and social opportunities by connecting different parts of the country. This allowed people to move cargo more efficiently and with more regularity compared to using horses and oxen. This, in turn, allowed for an increased exchange and mutual influence of ideas and cultures.
The use of the river for transportation was an important step for industrial and agricultural development in the United States. Industrial development of machines, factories and manufacturing processes could not have happened without a reliable transportation system along the riverbanks.
At the height of its industrial use, it transported more than 90 million tons of agricultural and manufactured goods every year across the country, including important raw materials for modern industry. This was an immense boon for the industrialization of the United States and helped the economy rapidly expand.
Ecological Diversity
The Mississippi River is an incredibly diverse eco-system with a wide range of species living and thriving in its waters. This includes several types of fish, reptiles and birds, many of which have adapted to the constantly flowing waters and have a presence in the surrounding areas.
Waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans are among the few species native to the river and what surrounds it. These birds play an important role in the balance of the natural ecosystems and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the region.
Even though there are numerous modern sorts of development along the banks of the Mississippi, the waterway still remains a great place ecologically speaking. It is still one of the few places in the US where people can observe the natural beauty and interaction of species in the wild.
Social Impact
The travels along the Mississippi River have drastically altered the social landscape in the US, connecting different parts of the country and providing new opportunities for local people. It has provided a way for different cultures and traditions to interact and influence each other in many ways.
The importance of the river can be seen in the many musical styles related to its banks. In Louisiana and Mississippi especially, “Delta Blues” is played by locals and has become a defining feature of the region’s culture. This kind of music is known to feature instruments like the harmonica, guitar and drums, with singers accompanied by a choir.
The river has also been integral in shaping the cuisine of the areas around it. Many cooks have relied on the abundance of the life found in the waterway and have developed unique dishes that appeal to the diverse population of the region.
Legacy of Voyages
The passing of explorers and settlers along the Mississippi River has left its mark on the history of America and the world. The early migrants opened up new lands to exploration and the development of farms, factories, and cities.
The contributions of the Native Americans can’t be forgotten either, as their presence and knowledge of the river have furthered its use as a trade route and transportation system. The presence of their tribes, languages, and customs remain to this day, as a reminder of their ancient heritages and close connection with the land.
The crossings and explorations of the Mississippi River, which has spanned centuries, offers valuable insights into the complexities of history. It has served as a great connector and has helped shape America’s history and influence around the world.
