In 1682, the renowned French explorer Robert de La Salle became the first European to claim the Mississippi River in the name of France. La Salle, who was already famous for his exploration of the Great Lakes, set off on a historic expedition to explore and document the Mississippi watershed. La Salle’s expedition would be controversial during the age of colonization, pitting the French and Spanish each in competition to discovered and colonize the American continent. Along the way La Salle encountered many natives who he used as guides and translators, including Tonti who was responsible for his initial meetings with local tribes.
Robert de La Salle’s Achievements
In 1681, Robert de La Salle set off on his expedition to explore, claim and construct settlements in the Mississippi River basin. After meeting with local tribes and charting the area, he would eventually make his way to the mouth of the Mississippi on April 9th, 1682. Here, he and his crew of 30 set off to built Fort St Louis and officially claim the area for his employers, the French. This claim would be contested heavily by the Spanish in later years.
Difficulties on the expedition
Le Salle’s journey along the Mississippi River was full of challenges and dangers. Along the way, La Salle and his crew faced inclement weather, hostile locals and pirates. In addition, their vessel frequently became stuck in shallow water due to high floods. This ultimately led to La Salle and his crew attempting a 70-mile portage in order to move around the flooded areas. They would eventually make it to the mouth of the Mississippi on April 9th, 1682 where, much to their relief, they were welcomed by friendly natives.
France’s Colonial Goals
For the French, the claim of the Mississippi watershed was seen as a vital part of their colonial enterprise. By taking control of the basin, the French were able to control the lucrative fur trade with the native tribes. In addition, they were able to establish trading relations with other European powerhouses, as well as a trade route to the Gulf of Mexico and the lands beyond.
La Salle’s Journey To Mexico
After claiming the Mississippi for France, La Salle set off on a voyage to Mexico to take control of the Gulf of Mexico and establish a foothold hard against the Spanish colonies. With his most trusted lieutenant, Henri de Tonti, at his side, La Salle marched south, subject to attack by hostile natives and fierce storms. Eventually, La Salle would reach the mouth of the Rio Grande in 1686 and attempt to establish a French colony. Unfortunately, this French settlement would be a failure as La Salle and his crew were martyred by vengeful natives.
The Legacy of Robert de La Salle
Despite his failures in Mexico, Robert de La Salle’s claim of the Mississippi River for France remains one of the most important French colonial achievements of the 17th century. His expedition and conquest of the area established French claims in North America, as well as opening up further exploration in the area. As a result of his exploration and claim, France would dominate a vast portion of the continent in what historians refer to as New France.
The French in the New World
Following La Salle’s claim of the Mississippi for France, the French went on to establish a network of forts, trading outposts and farms along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This allowed the French to build on La Salle’s original claim by solidifying their presence throughout the area. Through these outposts, the French were able to create a tight-knit network of trade relations between them and the native tribes, as well as further exploration of the interior of North America.
Friendships with the Indigenous Natives
The friendships La Salle established with Tonti and the native tribes enabled the French to maintain strong ties with the people of the area. This relationship drove much of the French colonial enterprise in the area, which relied heavily on the trading routes established with these native groups. As a result, modern relationships between France and its former colonies in the Americas can be traced back to the friendships formed during La Salle’s expedition.
The Claim of the Mississippi for France
In 1682, Robert de La Salle became the first European to claim the Mississippi for France. This expedition set the Rstage for French colonization in North America, as well as beginning a centuries long presence of the French in the Mississippi River valley. La Salle’s claim of the Mississippi River may have been controversial at the time, but it would ultimately lead to the establishment of a powerful and influential French empire that would be respected by its actions and treaties.
The Impact of the Mississippi Claim
La Salle’s claim of the Mississippi had a tremendous impact on the history of the region. By claiming the Mississippi, the French were able to open up the area to further exploration and settlement, ultimately leading to their colonization of the continent. In addition, the claim of the Mississippi gave the French a strategic foothold in North America, allowing them to trade with the local tribes as well as establishing a strong presence that would last throughout the years.
Conclusion
Robert de La Salle’s 1682 claim of the Mississippi for France is still remembered today as one of the most significant French colonial achievements of the 17th century. The claim itself allowed the French to establish a presence throughout the region and would ultimately lead to their colonization of the continent. La Salle’s friendship with the local natives allowed the French to build on the expedition’s accomplishments, thereby cementing France’s status as a major power in the Americas.
