Early Explorers
Native Americans, such as the Mound Builders, used the Mississippi as a major transportation avenue for more than a thousand years. Later, in the 1500s, Spanish explorers traveled up the river toward its mouth by ships from the Gulf of Mexico. The French arrived shortly thereafter, becoming the first Europeans to make contact with the peoples living along the river.
French Explorers
French explorers had ambitious plans for the Mississippi, hoping to link the great river to their interests in Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Led by men like Robert Cavalier de La Salle, the French expedition ventured both up and down the Mississippi, mapping and claiming countless lands along the way. Despite the expedition’s successes, the French were eventually overtaken by the British in the 1763 Treaty of Paris.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
One of the best-known feats of exploration in history is the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804, which traveled thousands of miles up the Missouri and then down the Mississippi River. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition took two years, covering over 8,000 miles of land and water. The expedition marked the first time a handful of European Americans made contact with frontier Indigenous nations, as well as the first time an organized group of US soldiers, frontiersmen and naturalists reached the Pacific Road.
Steamship Explorers
By the 1830s, steamboats had become the most popular way to travel the river. With the completion of the Erie Canal, travelers could bridge the gap between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico – and docks, towns and cities began popping up all along the banks of the Mississippi. New Orleans was one of the most popular ports of call, as were St. Louis, Memphis, and New Madrid.
Today, modern riverboats still take passengers along the majestic Mississippi, offering an exciting and unique way to experience the traditions and natural beauty of the area, minus the dangers explored by some of the more famous historical adventurers.
The Dangers of Sailing Down the Mississippi River
Exploring the Mississippi was a hazardous pursuit, with plenty of potential risks. For example, the voyage could be affected by violent weather conditions and stormy seas, potentially making the journey arduous and dangerous. Moreover, travelers had to worry about finding sufficient food and water and avoiding disease and infection, which were known to ravage even entire crews.
Given the dangers and illnesses common in the 1800s, explorers of the river were at the mercy of the elements. But despite the perils, they managed to make lasting contributions to knowledge of the area, and their stories of the journey down the Mississippi River continue to capture people’s imaginations to this day.
French Interests on the Mississippi
When the Louisiana Purchase was made by the United States in 1803, the southern half of the Mississippi River was sold to the Americans by the French. This was used to facilitate communication between the French-held territories north of the river and the American holdings to the south.
At this time, the French language and dress were still popular in the area, even though by then the major players on the river had become American Indians, trappers and Spanish traders. The French presence along the Mississippi also saw the emerge of Catholic missions, and the cultural mix that was created gave rise to new cultural identities in both the US and France. French influences are still evident today in the folk music, architecture and food of many American towns and cities along the river.
Trade in the Mississippi
Before the era of steamboats, traders used the Mississippi to transport goods to various settlements along the way. Cotton and tobacco were two of the most common products, but there was also a wide array of other goods. The area surrounding the river was a bustling place where river traders and merchants would meet with Native Americans, African Americans and fur trappers to exchange goods and services.
The cotton and tobacco were typically sold in New Orleans, while other goods were sent in almost equal proportions to other ports such as Memphis, Baton Rouge and St. Louis. The goods traveled quickly upriver due to the strong currents of the Mississippi, and brought people from far and wide for business and trading opportunities.
Slavery on the Mississippi
During the 1800s, slaves were often forced to labor on ships travelling the Mississippi, with little respite from the hard labor. Slaves were also used to load and unload goods from ships, as well as perform other tasks related to the trade. Even worse was the fact that some ships were actually traveling upriver to buy slaves.
The ships carrying these enslaved individuals operated out of New Orleans, St. Louis and Natchez, and the Mississippi was their highway between destinations. Many of these individuals were taken from the African coast and the Caribbean islands and transported illegally to the United States. The legacy of this history still remains today, with many of the freedoms and liberties that modern Americans enjoy traceable to the horrific conditions of slaves working on the Mississippi.
The Role of the Mississippi Today
In modern times, the Mississippi River continues to play an important role in the history and culture of the United States. It’s a lifeline for rural communities and an important freight trade route, while also providing recreational opportunities and some of the most beautiful natural vistas in the country.
But even more than that, the Mississippi River continues to be a reminder of the important legacy of exploration and adventure forged by brave pioneers throughout the centuries. It’s a reminder of the importance of seeking new opportunities and embracing change, and a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the United States.
