Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most important waterways, connecting the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. It is estimated that the longest tributary of the Mississippi River is 3,778 kilometers long, making it one of the world’s longest rivers. But when was the Mississippi River discovered? Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to give an exact answer to this question, as the river has been occupied and utilized by many different civilizations over the years. The answer to this question, however, can be best answered by looking at some of the major discoveries and moments in the history of the Mississippi River.
Early Exploration
The first exploration of the Mississippi River originated with Hernando de Soto, who crossed the Mississippi from west to east in spring of 1541. He explored the banks of this vast river for three weeks before arriving on the eastern side in present day Arkansas. The explorations of De Soto marked the first European contact with the Indigenous peoples that have long-lived along the Mississippi and its tributaries. In 1673, Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette continued De Soto’s work, becoming the first Europeans to traverse and map the full length of the Mississippi from its northern source in Minnesota until its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico.
River Control
The first attempt to regulate the Mississippi as a single river system wasn’t until the mid-1700s. The period of 1763 to 1807 marked a significant turning point in Mississippi River exploration and control as the French, British, and United States established a series of fortifications along the river to protect its control. The period saw the establishment of trading posts, forts, and other structures, marking the beginning of a more detailed-mapping process of the Mississippi River.
U.S. Expansion
In the early 1800s, the United States drastically expanded its presence along the Mississippi with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Several major battles were fought along the river during the War of 1812, leading to the completion of an extensive mapping process of the Mississippi by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1842. The period also marked the construction of the first railroad to connect New Orleans and Chicago along the Mississippi, opening up the Midwest to an unprecedented level of economic development and growth.
Modernization
In the mid-1800s many of the US government’s efforts focused on deepening the river channel, making it easier for vessels to navigate from the north to the south of the country. As the US population increased, so did the demand for better access to goods and services. By the end of the 19th century, the US Army Corps of Engineers had completed an extensive project to modernize the Mississippi River in order to allow larger vessels to reach further inland, increasing trade and travel across the region. The project included building locks and dams to facilitate navigation, building levees and flood control systems, and improving navigation aids.
Environmental Issues
Since the mid-20th century, the Mississippi River has been subject to increasing pollution levels, due to its use as a natural conduit for industrial waste. Pollution levels have been a major environmental issue in the Mississippi basin, leading to concerns about drinking water, air quality, and wildlife populations. In recent years, the US government has taken action to reduce pollutants in the Mississippi, including the installation of waste water treatment systems, and the establishment of nature reserves and national riverways.
Flood Management
Flooding of the Mississippi has long been a major natural disaster, causing millions of dollars in damages over the years. In 1932, the US Army Corps of Engineers completed the world’s first comprehensive flood control system along the Mississippi. The system included a series of levees and floodways designed to protect communities upstream from flooding. The system has since been upgraded due to advances in flood control technology, and is now capable of managing flooding more effectively.
Economic Growth
Today, the Mississippi River is home to a thriving economy, with some of the United States’ most important industrial and agricultural centers located along its banks. The river also plays a key role in the international economy, facilitating the transport of goods between the US and other global markets. It is estimated that the Mississippi contributes more than $400 billion to the US economy every year, making it one of the country’s most important assets.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mississippi River has been an important part of history and culture in North America since its discovery by European explorers in the 15th century. While the exact moment that it was discovered is difficult to pinpoint, it can be said that the Mississippi River has been a significant part of life in the US for over four centuries. The river has supported economic development, fostered transportation between distant regions of the country, and served as a conduit for essential goods and services in the international marketplace. By continuing to develop and upgrade existing infrastructure, the US government can ensure the Mississippi River remains a major contributor to the country’s economy and overall quality of life for years to come.
