Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States. It is the second-longest river in the country and has historically played an important role in the development of the United States. Its role has been both commercial and political, acting as a cornerstone in American history and culture. Despite its importance, very few people know who controlled the Mississippi River and how it impacted both the United States and the rest of the world.
History
The Mississippi River has been important to Americans since the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century. Initially, the Native Americans inhabited what is now the United States and they used the river for transportation and trading purposes. Throughout the next few centuries, the river was explored and eventually mapped out. Europeans began to use the river for their own trading purposes. In the late 18th century, the United States claimed the entire Mississippi River basin, which included land in what are now Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
French Control
Until 1803, the Mississippi River was largely controlled by the French. During this period of time, the French were heavily involved in the trade of goods between the Caribbean and North America. The French wanted to be sure that they could freely make use of the Mississippi River, so they sent military forces to protect it from Spanish, English and Native Americans. The French also charged what they called “river dues” to any ship that wanted to pass through the river. The paying of the river dues was mandatory and was considered a form of taxation.
Spanish Control
In 1803, the French turned the Mississippi River over to Spanish control as a part of the Louisiana Purchase. Though the Louisiana Purchase was officially an American purchase, the agreement included a clause that allowed Spanish vessels to use the Mississippi River without paying the river dues that the French had imposed. This was an important part of the agreement, as the Spanish were heavily involved in trade in the south and wanted to make sure that the Mississippi River would remain an open route for them.
American Control
After the Louisiana Purchase, the United States took full control of the Mississippi River. Americans began to use the river for commercial purposes, and it quickly became an important trade route. Americans built cities and towns along the banks of the river and began to use boats to transport goods. This period of time is when the Mississippi River truly became an agricultural and commercial force within the United States.
Mississippi River Projects and Flood Control
The last major change to the Mississippi River came in the 1920s when the US government began numerous Mississippi River projects. The government constructed dams, levees, and other structures in an effort to control flooding and to prevent soil erosion. Though these projects were controversial, they were necessary in order to prevent massive destruction from flooding. In addition, the projects helped to open up more land for agricultural use and allowed for more efficient transportation of goods along the river.
Modern Control
Today, the Mississippi River is under the control of the US Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for managing the river’s water levels, construction of new levees, and maintenance of the existing structures. In addition, the US government has set strict rules and regulations for people who want to use the river, such as having a permit to operate vessels, restrictions as to what can be dumped into the river, and preventing any type of commercial fishing.
Conclusion of Control
Throughout history, the Mississippi River has been controlled by various powers. From its early days as a Native American trading route to its current status as an important trade route and agricultural area, the Mississippi River has always held great significance to Americans. Today, the US Army Corps of Engineers has the responsibility of managing the river’s water levels and preventing flooding. Though there have been changes over the years, the Mississippi River still remains an important part of American history and culture.
