Explorer Who Discovered the Mississippi River
Throughout the years,Minnesota has been home to many great explorers – but none more historically significant than Louis Jolliet.Jolliet,a French explorer,was recognized for his incredible accomplishments as the one to discover and map the mighty Mississippi River.In the spring of 1673,Jolliet and his partner,Father Jacques Marquette,set out to explore and map the river,taking a trip that would ultimately reshape the history of the United States.
As they explored upstream,Jolliet and Marquette noticed that the river had much different characteristics north of the fall line in the south.The river had become wide and shallow,signs that suggested the its orientation was changing northward.The explorers knew that the river would need to be mapped and documented,so as to not lose its significance for future generations.
As the trip progressed,the two men noticed many Native American tribes in the area.They established relationships that would act as crucial landmarks in the further exploration of the land,most notably with the Illini tribe.The friendly relations ultimately allowed Jolliet and Marquette to understand the entire North American river system and suspect its final route.
The duo eventually met their goal,navigating the entire Mississippi River from what is now southern Wisconsin to the mighty east-to-west connection of the Gulf of Mexico.The navigation marked the beginning of a new era for the nation,enabling the first steps to be taken toward the unlocking of the continent.Thus,the Mississippi River was born.
Prior to Jolliet’s expedition,the land was abundant with uncharted territory and mysterious rivers.However,once Jolliet made his trek down the Mississippi,the previously unknown and planted the groundwork for generations of explorers to come.His expedition ultimately set in motion countless years of economical and population growth in the Midwest.
Jolliet later returned to France and continued his exploration into the Grand Lakes region.Although the Mississippi was documented on previous maps,it wasn’t until Jolliet’s return that the entirety of the river and its potential were truly understood.
It is undeniable that the land of North America would have seen much different development if Jolliet and Father Marquette had not made the fateful journey that ultimately connected the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico.Louis Jolliet’s and Father Jacques Marquette’s bravery and ingenuity earned America one of her most precious assets.It is for this reason that their adventurous spirit will always be remembered by the appreciation of the Mississippi River.
Was Jolliet the First?
Although Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette as a pair were the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi,it is also possible that someone else discovered the river before them.Even before colonists came to the Americas,the Mississippi River was well-known to Native American tribes.In fact,many of the tribes in the area that Jolliet and Marquette encountered had already had relationships with,and mapped,parts of the river.
The exploration of the Mississippi was a collaborative effort.In addition to the relationships Jolliet and Marquette established with local tribes, they also studied the maps of earlier European adventurers.These pieces of evidence likely provided the explorers with insider information on the elusive Mississippi,which could have enabled them to be the first Europeans to map the river.
Though it is highly possible that someone else had previously explored the Mississippi River,it is almost certain that Jolliet and Father Marquette remain the discoverers of the great Mississippi in the eyes and the memories of the people.Many of the Native American tribes and other Europeans that had possibly mapped the waterway before them were long gone,leaving Jolliet and Marquette as the last to discover the great river.
Therefore,even though someone else might have beaten Jolliet and Father Marquette,they remain the most famous.Their courage and accomplishment was one of a kind.The two were the last to take what was then considered an incredibly dangerous journey:the same journey that connected the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and began a new era for America.
Legacy of Jolliet and Marquette
Louis Jolliet and Father Marquette’s incredible journey has left behind a monumental legacy.The duo produced the first accurate map of the entirety of the Mississippi River and supplied the foundations for uninterrupted exploration of its path.Jolliet and Marquette also set a new standard for the future of exploration,paving the way for many more great explorers to discover new lands.
The Mississippi River is still home to some of Jolliet and Marquette’s original acquaintances,the native Illini tribe.Their gracious hospitality was important in the successful navigation of the Mississippi,and sadly their culture was drastically altered with the progression of the American settlers.Their kindness to the two men is something that has lasted over centuries.
Jolliet and Marquette’s incredible journey is still remembered today across the United States.Almost every state in the U.S. has at least one historical marker or statue devoted to the explorers,and their area in Illinois along the banks of the river is now a national park.The duo even has two famous ships named after them,inviting guests to sail the same waters they navigated so many years ago.
In conclusion,Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette’s incredible journey to map the mighty Mississippi River was the beginning of an era of exploration and expansion across North America.Their exploration changed the lives of Americans for generations,opening the country to new opportunities and interests,including trade,agriculture,industry,and more.The navigational feat set forth by Jolliet and Marquette created a platform that enabled America to grow into a nation and truly unlock her potential.
Environmental Impact After the Exploration
After Jolliet and Marquette’s exploration of the Mississippi River,many of the lands in the river basin underwent drastic changes.The newly made streams and rivers created by the journey,as well as its tributaries,began to offer opportunities for fishing and new transportation routes.The area was opened to non-native industries and populations,ultimately increasing the economy and the population in the area.
In addition,the surrounding forested areas were subject to population growth,particularly in the areas close to the river.These changes came at a cost,as the forests were cut down to clear room for agriculture,industry,and houses.The changes to the environment had a devastating impact on the animals and plants in the area,many of which had been upset by the introduction of new industrial materials.
The deforestation of the area also caused an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.The result was the development of acidification in the area,which endangered aquatic species and the health of nearby residents.The effects of Jolliet and Father Marquette’s exploration ultimately caused an environmental disaster in the Midwest.
Over the past few decades,however,there has been progress in managing the impact of humans on the environment in the Mississippi River Basin.The government has passed many regulations that have increased the quality of the environment,such as the Clean Water Act and the Air Quality Act.These regulations have helped regulate the quality of the water and air,thereby providing a cleaner,more sustainable environment.But,in order to truly restore the environment in the area,it is important to acknowledge and understand the history of its exploration.
Perceptions of Native Americans since Jolliet and Father Marquette’s Exploration
Jolliet and Father Marquette’s exploration of the Mississippi River not only had an environmental impact,but also a social impact.The Native Americans in the area,who had lived in the area for thousands of years,were significantly affected by the newly arrived European settlers.The Europeans brought with them a different set of customs,essentially introducing new concepts and cultures to the Native Americans.
Europeans also brought with them disease and guns,which caused an immense decrease in the population of native tribes.The interaction with Europeans changed the Native American way of life drastically;however,in some cases,it also served as the foundation for many of the customs that we know today,particularly those related to fishing and hunting.
The Native Americans had a positive relationship with Jolliet and Father Marquette,who were some of the first Europeans to take the time to understand their customs and cultures.The two men admired many aspects of their culture and did not attempt to force or impose any of their own ways.This level of understanding,and appreciation,set a precedent for intercultural communication that still exists today.
The European settlers,and those who followed,brought a great deal of change to the Native Americans.The populations of the tribes suffered greatly,as did the environment in the area.However,many Native Americans found ways to assimilate and build on the new customs and cultures of the settlers,bridging the gap between their cultural practices and those of the Europeans.
The Legacy of the Discovery of the Mississippi River
Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marqette are still remembered today for their intrepid exploration and discovery of the Mississippi River in 1673.Their mission reconnected the land and established the beginning of a new era in the United States.The mystical river was brought to life and its significance began to show for future generations.
Jolliet and Marquette’s discovery set forth a foundational development of the Midwest geography and exposed the beauty of the land.Their journey constructed an economic and population growth in the region that advanced the growth of the nation.In addition,it opened the door for new modes of transportation,trade,and industry.
Lastly,the Mississippi meanders through much of the country and connects hundreds of areas with its waters.This gives people the opportunity to travel and explore new areas,appreciate the beauty of nature,and rediscover their passions.Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette’s incredible journey still stands as a reminder of the power of exploration and the potential America can unlock.
