The Discoverer of the Mississippi River: Sieur de La Salle
The Mississippi River, one of the most historically, geographically and culturally significant rivers in the US, has been around for centuries. It is named after the Algonquin Indian people’s word “Mizizibi”, which means “great river”. Yet, it was not until 1682 that French explorers and traders, led by a man named René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, first laid eyes on this mighty river. La Salle and his team were sent by the French court to explore and map the North American North West Territories, eventually coming across the awe-inspiring Mississippi.
At the time of La Salle’s expedition, the French were starting to settle and explore in North America. In order to properly map and establish trade routes to the river and its surrounding areas, La Salle needed to name the great Mississippi River. La Salle was an educated and worldly man, and his opinion on the naming of the river was respected. Thus, after carefully contemplating what to call this immense body of water that held such promise, La Salle named the Mississippi River “la grand Rivière des Illinois”.
La Salle chose this phrase because it references the local tribe, the Illinois, who had been recently visited by a priest, Father Membre. La Salle likely chose this phrase to honor the Illinois tribe and acknowledge their importance in the mission.
La Salle’s tribute to the Illinois tribe is significant for several reasons. It is an example of how, despite the difficult and often hostile encounters between Europeans and Native American tribes, La Salle retained a sense of respect towards the Illinois. Even though his mission was to explore and map the area and to establish trading posts, he still showed recognition of the local people and their presence. Had he not taken the time to recognize and respect the native tribe, he likely would have never been so successful in his exploration.
La Salle’s expedition opened up the Mississippi River to further exploration and eventually led to the establishment of French outposts and colonies. Adopting the name “la grand Rivière des Illinois” showed that La Salle not only understood the significance of the Mississippi River, but also saw it as needed to overcome the challenge of claiming territory in the North American North West Territory. La Salle’s ability to connect with the native tribes and show respect to them further demonstrates his great leadership, allowing him to play a significant role in the establishment of the United States.
The Change in Name
Although La Salle named the river “la grand Rivière des Illinois”, the name was eventually changed to “Mississippi”. The reason for this change is not known, but it is possible that the French decided to adopt an English name in order to appease the British and make trading and settlement easier.
However, it is more likely that the change of name was due to an increased number of English speaking people living throughout the region. Over time, the English name of “Mississippi” became more common and eventually replaced La Salle’s name.
Currently, the Mississippi River carries an overwhelmingly English name but it is important to acknowledge the part that La Salle and his team of French explorers played in the discovery and mapping of the river. In fact, it was La Salle who first acknowledged and recognized the hidden potential of the river. His initial designation of the river as “la grand Rivière des Illinois” is a testament to his leadership and demonstrates his respect for the local Native American tribes.
The Significance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been critical for the development of North America, particularly in the area of trade, transportation and culture. The early exploration of the river by La Salle and his team helped to open up trade possibilities between the French and Native American tribes, laying the foundation for further exploration and settlement.
The river also ushered in the modern-day transportation network. Today, it is used to transport goods and products, linking ports throughout the region and helping to facilitate international trade. In addition, the river provides a home to many species of animals, fish and plants, and is a popular area for recreational activities.
The Mississippi River has also played an important role in the culture of the US. It has been the source of inspiration for countless books, poems and songs, and has become a symbol of the American spirit. Its significance and influence continue to the present day and it remains one of the most important rivers in the US and the world.
Understanding the Impact of La Salle
La Salle’s discovery and recognition of the Mississippi River was a major step in the exploration and settlement of North America. La Salle’s contribution should not be forgotten, as it played a major role in the development of the United States. It is also important to recognize La Salle’s respect for the Native American tribes in the area and the role he played in connecting the French and the Native Americans.
These connections and the recognition of the Mississippi led to major changes in the region, and the recognition of its potential. Without La Salle’s exploration, the Mississippi River may not have held the same significance it has today. It is important to remember the impact that La Salle had on the region and the importance of recognizing and respecting the Native Americans in the area.
The Legacy of La Salle
René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle remains an important figure in the history of North America. His courage and leadership allowed for the exploration and establishment of trading routes and thoroughfares, which opened up the region to further development. The respect he showed to the local tribes was also instrumental in his success and demonstrated great leadership and understanding of the situation.
La Salle had a pivotal role in the exploration of the Mississippi River and the region surrounding it. The recognition of it’s potential and his dedication to exploring and mapping the river paved the way for future generations to settle and build in the area. La Salle’s memory and legacy live on in the region and serve as a reminder of the important role he played in the settlement of the North American North West Territory.
The Continuing Importance of the Mississippi River
In the present day, the Mississippi River is still just as important as it was when La Salle first discovered it. Its strategic position and potential for trade provided a major impetus for exploration and settlement in the region. Today, it is still used to transport goods and move people, and remains an iconic symbol of the American spirit.
It is also important to remember the role the Native American tribes in the region played in the development of the Mississippi River and the US. The native tribes were instrumental in La Salle’s success and their contribution should be recognized and honored. The Mississippi River remains an important part of US history and culture, and it is important to remember what it has offered to the people of the US.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River played an important role in the exploration and settlement of North America, and René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle played a major role in this development. La Salle and his team were responsible for recognizing and mapping the river, and also for acknowledging the Native American tribes in the area. La Salle’s respect for the local people was crucial for his success and his memory and legacy live on today. The Mississippi River remains an iconic part of US culture and history, and it is important to remember the original name La Salle bestowed upon it: “la grand Rivière des Illinois.”
