Overview & Background Information
The Mississippi River has been around for an incredibly long time, but when was it named and by whom? Historians believe that the Mississippi River has been known by different names and had different uses for Native Americans for hundreds of years before the Europeans arrived and officially named it. Seeing as the Mississippi River is such an important landmark in the United States, it’s no surprise that the naming has such a long and interesting history behind it.
First Mention of River
The first recorded mention of the name Mississippi River was in an article titled “A Letter From a Gentleman in Virginia” which was written by Captain John Smith in 1606 and published in London, England. In the article, Captain Smith noted that “the greatest, and chiefe of these [rivers], is that they commonly call Mississippi.” The French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was the first European to actually visit the Mississippi River. He referred to it as the “river Colbert” in honor of one of his sponsors, the French statesman Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
Native American Names
The Native American tribes in the area had different names for the river. The Ojibwe, a branch of the Anishinaabe group of Native Americans, referred to the river as “Misi-ziibi,” which means “Great River.” Other tribes of the area referred to it as “Chocolate River” because of the earthy-colored water found in the area.
When it Became “Mississippi”
It wasn’t until 1682 when the Mississippi River finally became the “Mississippi” as it is known today. The name can be credited to René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who named it while journeying along its banks. He named the river “Mississipi” which is derived from a combination of “Misi” (as previously noted by Captain Smith) and “sipi” which is the Ojibwe word for “river” or “great river.”
La Salle’s Claim
In 1682, the same year he named the Mississippi, La Salle claimed the entire Mississippi River Valley for France. This claim allowed France to lay claim to the land that extended from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. La Salle’s exploration voyage on the Mississippi was the beginning of one of Europe’s longest lasting colonial empires in the United States.
How it Was Used Historically
The Mississippi River has been used quite a lot in its history, as a transportation route for trading, fishing, hunting, and other activities. It was an important route for French trading and exploration for fur in the seventeen century. During the American Civil War, it served as a major transport route used to help funnel in supplies from the North and out of the South.
What the River is Now
Today the river’s importance has not decreased in the slightest. It’s now a major transportation route for shipping and tourism. The river is also a great source of hydroelectric power for states like Louisiana and Mississippi. Even today, the Mississippi is still home to over 120 species of fish and many species of wildlife like American black bear, American alligators, and bald eagles.
Environmental Impact
However, the Mississippi River is not without its faults. The river has been suffering from tremendous environmental degradation in the form of sewage and industrial waste draining into the river. There has also been an increase in water pollution, which affects the river’s wildlife, fishing, and recreation. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of organizations that are working to help clean the Mississippi River, but it still remains an issue.
Tourism & Recreational Activities
Despite its environmental issues, the Mississippi River is still a popular destination for tourists and recreational activities. It is estimated that close to 2 million people visit the Mississippi River every year for a range of activities, from camping and fishing to boating and swimming. The Mississippi River also serves as the backdrop for some of the most iconic cities in the United States, like New Orleans and St. Louis, giving tourists the opportunity to take in some of the amazing sights, sounds, and flavors that these cities offer.
Ripple Effects
The importance of the Mississippi River is undeniable, not only because of its importance to the United States’ historical and modern landscape, but also because of the ripple effects that it has had on the world. The river has played a major part in the lives and livelihoods of the people around it, from the Native Americans who named it centuries ago to the people who live alongside it today. Its influence is so strong that it has even caused changes in the languages of people who settled along its banks, from the French and Spanish words used to describe its landmarks to the English words spoken by the settlers today.
Mississippi Impact on Economy
The Mississippi River has also had a major impact on the United States economy. The Mississippi River accounts for nearly one-third of the nation’s fresh water supply and is one of the largest sources of energy and power in the United States. Not only provides water for drinking, fishing, and recreation, but it is also a key transportation route for agricultural and industrial cargo. The river is one of the most important economic drivers in the country and its importance is only expected to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion of the Name
To conclude, the Mississippi River has gone through a fascinating evolution over the centuries. From its early days as an important transportation route for Native Americans, to its French moniker, to its presence in the American Civil War, and finally to its status today as a major economic engine for the United States, the Mississippi River has been ever-changing yet ever-important. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most iconic and well-known rivers in the world. It’s history, and our own personal experiences, make it truly worthy of its name.
