During his presidency, George Washington worked hard to explore and expand waterways such as the Mississippi River. He had a vision for the new nation to utilize the vast resources of this powerful river for the nation’s increased prosperity. This article is meant to explore his accomplishments, challenges, and plans for the Mississippi River.
Washington’s desire to navigate the Mississippi stemmed from a larger interest in western expansion, in which he saw the newfound nation widening its influences and obtaining materials not found on the east coast. Washington’s enthusiasm for the project was well known, with many describing him as “enthusiastically captivated by the possibility of controlling and developing the Mississippi.” He made it a priority task and pushed his administration to support it.
In 1790, Washington negotiated with Napoleon to gain access to the entire length of the Mississippi. This agreement, called the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the US and granted them access to some of the most valuable land in the country. After this, he sent an expedition to explore the river. Their journey covered 6,000 miles of the Mississippi, from its source in the north, to its delta in the south. This expedition collected valuable information about the river and its potential, which helped Washington to comprehend the massive potential of the newly acquired land.
Washington oversaw the integration of the river into the growing United States economy. He introduced navigation and transport programs that allowed for goods to be shipped easily and cheaply down the length of the river. This contributed significantly to the nation’s finances. He also devised plans to connect land routes to ports along the river, which enabled the development of a domestic marketplace.
His immediate predecessor, Thomas Jefferson, continued to develop the river’s potential, building vital infrastructure and deepening the involvement of the US government. With Jefferson’s support, financial and administrative bodies were developed that regulated transport and consumption of the river’s resources. He also implemented a series of treaties with Native American groups, the results of which permanently opened a large part of the river for American exploration and settlement.
In the centuries since Washington’s time, the Mississippi has become a major regional economic artery, connecting many states in the Midwest and South, offering transportation, commerce, and energy resources.
Washington’s legacy on the Mississippi is seen today as both an economic powerhouse, and an environmental disaster. Every year, over 7 million tons of sediment is washed downstream. This triggers large deposits of sediment near the river mouth, altering the ecosystem and affecting infrastructure. Deforestation in the upper parts of the river has also caused species decline, making the Mississippi’s ecosystems increasingly fragile.
Water Contamination
Water contamination is a major concern for the Mississippi River. Pollution stemming from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and human sewage has led to toxic water conditions in many areas of the river. This has caused a decline of native fish species and undermines the river’s recreational and commercial uses. This is especially true near its lower stretches, where the Mississippi meets several other large rivers.
The US government has been trying to improve the water quality in the Mississippi River for decades, but progress has been slow. Federal and state governments have implemented numerous policies and regulations, however, they have been largely ineffective in controlling the river’s water pollution.
The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, is the most significant policy in the US for controlling water pollution in rivers. The goal of the act is to maintain “fishable, swimmable” water conditions in US rivers. This has had a positive impact on the Mississippi, but the river still faces significant water pollution risks.
Environmental groups and activists are pushing for stronger regulation and greater public awareness of the issue, but their efforts face strong opposition from corporate interests, agricultural companies, and others in favor of lax regulation.
Navigating the Mississippi River has long been a challenge for human travelers. The river is extremely long and there is a risk of running aground on sandbars and being pushed off-course by strong currents. Boat design has improved over time, but the river is still a hazardous place for navigators.
In the mid-19th century, the US Army Corps of Engineers began work on the river, constructing levees and locks to better manage the river. These improvements helped to mitigate flood risks and made navigation safer. This work was part of a larger effort to improve transportation across the nation and has had a significant impact in modernizing the region.
The US Army Corps of Engineers still oversees the navigational aspects of the river. They are responsible for maintaining and clearing the river’s channels, as well as setting up and running the locks and dams that help control depth and water levels.
Today, the river is seen as a popular destination for tourists, cruises, and recreational activities. In addition to the scenic beauty of the river and its tributaries, there is also an abundance of fish and wildlife. Fishing, camping, and recreational boating are popular activities that attract visitors from across the country.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an important part of the US ecology, but it has been under threat from human activities for centuries. The damming and channeling of the river has caused a range of environmental problems, from the disruption of fish migration paths to the destruction of the river’s wetlands.
The US government has taken steps to slow this damage and restore the river’s ecosystems. The Clean Water Act and other environmental regulations have had a positive effect, but more needs to be done to protect the river’s unique natural resources.
A key part of the solution is public awareness of the importance of protecting the river’s ecosystems. The public needs to be educated on the dangers posed by excessive industrialization and pollution of the river, and the steps they can take to protect it. Government agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and concerned citizens can all play a role in this.
Relocation of Native Americans
One of the most controversial aspects of the exploration and settlement of the Mississippi River is the displacement of Native American populations from the region. The displacement was driven by a desire to open up the river and its tributaries for American commerce and development. This led to numerous conflicts between Native American groups and the US government, some of which were not resolved until the 20th century.
Today, the US government acknowledges the injustice done to Native Americans in the past and has taken steps to ensure that their rights are respected. Federally recognized tribes are consulted and compensated for the use of their ancestral lands and resources. They are also granted a seat at the negotiating table for decisions about the management of the river. This is a stark contrast to the situation in Washington’s time.
Though Native Americans have been stripped of much of their land, they remain heavily connected to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, both politically and culturally. It is difficult to separate the realities of American history from the river, as much of it is intertwined with the struggles and efforts of Native people to have their rights respected.
Conclusion
Washington’s accomplishments with the Mississippi River have had a dramatic impact on the region and the nation as a whole. Both economically and culturally, the river has been an invaluable asset and an important part of the nation’s history. His push to explore the river is a testament to his vision, and it is his legacy that we still feel today.
