In 1673, Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette became the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi River. Throughout their voyage, the two men discovered many things about the river. One significant realization was that the Mississippi extended much farther south than previously believed. In addition, the pair found that the river was not the wide majestic body of water they expected when they began their exploration. Much of their journey was spent in small boats navigating shallow, rocky water where Muskeet and Sturgeon could be found. In addition, the river had become increasingly crooked and shallow due to flooding and erosion.
It wasn’t until 1680 that another European explorer, Robert Cavelier de La Salle, took the same journey and wrote a firsthand account of his observations. His diary states that the current of the river was generally swift and the land was low and marshy, while in other areas the banks were very steep. La Salle’s records also mentioned the nearby Indians, who had plenty of small cornfields and other crops growing along the banks of the river.
From this exploration, Joliet and Marquette were able to establish a more accurate representation of the Mississippi River and its diverse landscape. The duo observed everything from the shifting channels, to the swamps and wetlands. Many of their discoveries have joined together today to form the modern Mississippi River. Further, both men noted the abundant wildlife from beaver and muskrat to large fish species such as catfish and sturgeon.
Though Joliet and Marquette’s journey was ambitious the river was far from unknown for the Indigenous people who lived alongside it for centuries prior. The local tribes recognized the territory from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico, including the nearby Missouri, Arkansas, and Ohio Rivers. Like the French pair, Native Americans realized the environmental changes that the river went through, and also recognized the dangers of navigating through the waterways, such as sandbars and strong currents.
The affect of the two men’s discoveries on the Europeans was immense. The realisation of a commercial route to the Gulf unifying the midwest with the east coast raised the prospect of agricultural and lumber export. Furthermore, influential political figures recognised the strategic significance of the river in the context of foreign relations with the natives. In this way, the river became a key component of their burgeoning military and economic interests.
Joliet and Marquette’s exploration of the Mississippi had far reaching implications for the continent’s future. Their journey was no small achievement – it was a remarkable journey of discovery and of human courage in the face of unknown land and water. The pair succeeded in exploring the majestic river and made its treasures known to the Europeans.
Effects of the Exploration
The findings of the pair had immense effects on the Europeans and the local tribes. For the Europeans, the exploration provided them with a more accurate representation of the Mississippi River, its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife. Through Joliet and Marquette’s discoveries, a new commercial route to the Gulf unifying the midwest with the east coast was established, openning up a range of new opportunities for agricultural and lumber export for the Europeans. In addition, strategic interests such as foreign relations and military tactics were implications of the pair’s discoveries.
For local tribes, Joliet and Marquette’s journey brought attention to their powerful presence and made them recognised by the Europeans. The Native Americans acknowledged the surrounding territory from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico which included the Missouri, Arkansas and Ohio Rivers. They were also fully aware of the risk of the waters, such as sandbars and strong currents. Jesuits, who accompanied Joliet and Marquette, noted that individual tribes were allies of the French, who cooperated in the journey and guarded their boats.
Economic Impact on Local Tribes
The economic implications of Joliet and Marquette’s journey on the local tribes were immense. It opened up a range of new opportunities, not just for the Europeans, but for theNative Americans too. The Frenchman brought with them, new weapons, plants and animals, which could generate wealth for the local economy. The missionaries noted the presence of villages that relied heavily on agricultural production, and the potential for trade between different tribes.
In addition, the frequent arrival of traders often resulted in an increase in the number of furs and wampum purchased from local Native Americans. This form of export saw an increase in economic growth and wealth for individuals and tribes, providing much needed income and resources, as well as strengthening inter-tribal trading relationships. Furthermore, when the French supplied the Indians with firearms, before long, the natives picked up the skill of making their own guns and crafted gun parts.
Political Impact on Local Tribes
The presence of such a powerful force in the form of the Europeans had an equally immense political impact on the local tribes of the Mississippi River. As new settlement laws and punishments were implemented by the French, the Native Americans had to learn how to coexist with this foreign force. They had to recognise the role they were given and abide by the laws and regulations set by their new neighbours.
To ensure that peace was maintained, inter-tribal diplomacy was necessary. The tribes of the river had to cooperate and negotiate with the Europeans on a number of political matters. They had to work together to secure their traditional territories and protect their resources from foreign interference. This often meant forming military alliances and treaties between the different tribes and the Europeans.
Why Was Their Exploration so Significant?
Joliet and Marquette’s discovery had a lasting impact. Their journey was one of courage in the face of unknown land and water, and as a result, their findings have become a part of the continent’s history. As the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi River, the pair established a more accurate representation of the river. They observed its shifting channels, swamps and wetlands and recorded their observations. Their discoveries opened the prospect of agricultural and lumber export, recognising the strategic significance of the river in the context of foreign relations and military tactics.
The implications of their exploration were further recognised as they raised awareness of the region’s diverse landscape and small cornfields amongst the Indigenous people who had lived alongside it for centuries prior. Their journey provided a more accurate depiction of the region, as well as generating economic and political opportunities for the Europeans and Native Americans living on the Mississippi.
Social Impact on Local Tribes
In addition to the economic and political implications for local tribes of the Mississippi River, the arrival of Joliet and Marquette had a deep social impact on the natives. As the foreign force brought with them new weapons, plants, animals and cultural practices, the native lifestyle was threatened as a result. The Frenchman also affected the local religion and political system, as the traditional governing body was replaced by a colonial government.
The regular arrival of traders greatly impacted the traditional lifestyles of the indigenous people. Natives were often forced to move their villages in order to accommodate the Europeans, leaving only a handful of families in the old villages, while the rest had to start anew. This disruption of the traditional way of life had drastic implications on their identity and culture.
Despite this disruption, the Native Americans still welcomed the arrival of the Europeans. The Jesuit missionaries noted that the tribes were sometimes “overjoyed to see us” and some would even help them navigate the shallow waters of the Mississippi. It is clear that Joliet and Marquette’s journey provided the locals with an exchange of knowledge and culture, and allowed them to coexist with the foreign force in the region.
Conclusion
Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi River, in 1673. From the expedition, they were able to establish a more accurate representation of the river, and its diverse landscape. This journey opened the prospect of agricultural and lumber export and furthered the Europeans’ strategic interests in the region. In addition, that the mission had far reaching implications for the local tribes. The presence of the Europeans brought attention to their powerful presence and generated both economic and political opportunities. Despite social disruption to the traditional lifestyles, the natives welcomed the foreign force, providing an exchange of knowledge and culture.
