When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off to explore the West in 1804, America was a foolishly unaware nation. Only 25 years old, the fledgling country had an acute lack of knowledge about its own geography, and almost nothing was known about the vast region in between the two temperate zones that is now called the Midwest. Thus, it was with great surprise to the nation when the pair of explorers brought back news of the massive and powerful Mississippi River—the source of which had baffled geographers and cartographers since the 15th century.
For many years, Europeans believed the source of the Mississippi to be somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains, or the Adirondacks, or further northeast into New England. Some geographical fantasies even brought the source of the river as far away as Lake Winnipeg and the Canadian border. But it wasn’t until 1805 that Lewis and Clark dispelled the various myths and finally pinpointed the source of the Mississippi River correctly.
That “correctly” was in the headwaters of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, which the two explorers had no trouble in ascertaining. Though it took two and a half centuries (and a number of incorrect guesses) for the source to be accurately established, Lewis and Clark had fortuitously found it in only a matter of months. For this, not only is Mississippi River one of North America’s most defining features, but Lewis and Clark also earned the distinction of being some of the sharpest explorers that ever existed.
Intriguingly, Lewis and Clark weren’t the first to discover the source of the Mississippi. As the first ones to report their findings, however, they receive the distinction of being the discoverers of the source of the Mississippi, at least officially. While they had likely suspected the source was somewhere in the said area (historians have contested the precise location of what they knew the source would be) it is more than likely that, through Native Americans, they made the significant discovery.
It was the Chippewa Native American tribe in particular, otherwise known as the Ojibwe, that were instrumental in helping the two explorers discover the source of the massive river system. The language of the Ojibwe was invaluable in teaching the culturally naive white men the foreign geography of the region, and particularly the location of Lake Itasca. The Ojibwe had wandered the region of the lake long before Lewis and Clark and certainly had an advantageous knowledge of the watery landscape. Their indigenous knowledge may have been extensive, but it had not been recorded, and was still unknowable to European minds.
Although Lewis and Clark mastered the landscape themselves and identified the source through careful explorations, understanding the source of the Mississippi could not have been achieved without the deep understanding of the Chippewa tribe, who had amassed knowledge about their land for generations. Potentially, without them, discovering the source of the river might not have been accomplished in the 1700s or even centuries after that.
The Headwaters of Lake Itasca
In 1832, Henry Schoolcraft, an American geographer, reserved the name headwaters for Lake Itasca. He was fascinated with the geological features of the area, and wanted to give the start of the river system a suitable title. He took the Latin words ‘veritas’, which translates to truth and ‘caput’ meaning head, to describe the beginning of the Mississippi River.
The headwaters of Lake Itasca are a popular tourism spot. It is smack in the middle of a state park filled with activity such as fishing, boating, swimming, and cycling. The grounds of the lake are said to have a mystical ambiance, with ancient pines and rugged boulders that bring its captivating beauty to life. It is the third smallest lake in Minnesota, yet its significance remains monumental, as the source of a river that has played a crucial role in American history.
Scientists have predicted that the remnant basins that remain from the 3.8 billion year’s old lake will make a full circle sometime in this century. With climate change bringing higher temperatures to the area, it is unclear what precisely will happen in the lake’s future. Regardless, Lake Itasca will remain the source of the Mississippi for years to come, and no one can deny that it is responsible for the growth and progress that this crucial waterway brought to the area of the United States.
The Significance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River impacts economic, social, and ecological systems throughout the Midwest. 75 million people depend on the river for water, food, and energy. It provides important transportation routes in both coasts of the Midwest. The river is important for industry and also has many recreational benefits. In particular, it has been an essential force in contributing to agricultural production.
The Mississippi River has always been a source of inspiration to Americans, as well. It has been the setting for novels and music, and several writers have commented on the river’s importance. It is an iconic feature of the American story, connecting a vast swath of land together, from north to south. From the start of the Mississippi, the people of its banks have intertwined their lives and fates with it, and its power and importance remain relevant even to this day.
As the third largest river by the volume of water discharged, the power of the river is undeniable. It has provided a vital trade link to North America and beyond, connecting many states together, and acting as an artery for businesses. Not only does the river provide for transportation and trade, but is also home to biological ecosystems that are essential to the area’s prosperity, sustaining thousands of aquatic and terrestrial creatures.
The Legacy of Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark were two of the most intrepid, symbolic, and influential individuals of all time. Their mission of exploration, of uncovering the unknown, of shedding the light of truth on the edges of the unknowable, has had a profound implications on the making of the American character. From the onset of their mission, they understood the expedition as an act of service to their nation, and they thus placed their attention on their duty rather than on their own reputations.
The expedition pushed farther into the wilderness than any other explorers before them. Without the aid of trained researchers, maps, modern tools, and technology, the two were able to conquer the unknown and make use of the available resources of that era to accomplish phenomenal results. Their success has contributed to the progression of science, technology, and industry, and has now become a major part of American heritage.
The expedition of Lewis and Clark and the discovery of the source of the Mississippi River undeniably changed the way America was seen and understood. It was decisive in the country’s transformation from an unknown, untamed wilderness to a nation open for exploration, expansion, and growth; and led the way for the generations of Americans that followed.
The Impact of Recent Changes
In spite of understanding the importance of the Mississippi River and its discoveries by Lewis and Clark, the river has suffered from a number of environmental issues in recent times. There is an increasing pressure on the water and its sources due to the development of reservoirs and dykes, In addition to the near miss of Catastrophically Damaged ecosystems, it is estimated that the river will be increasingly vulnerable to coastal erosion, flooding, and algae blooms. Moreover, there is the persistent issue of pollutanst finding their way into the river, be they chemical, industrial, or otherwise.
Therefore, it’s clear that the river’s significance has not decreased, not if anything it has grown with the addition of industrial activity around the banks. The question of who will help to protect and preserve this crucial body of water remains, but actions need to taken to ensure that the Mississippi River, its source in Lake Itasca, and the legacy of Lewis and Clark, is appreciated and respected for years to come.
Exploration of the Kings Highway
The Kings Highway was a network of ancient roads, adopted by European colonizers for military and commercial purposes. Dating back to the 16th century, this network constituted the longest route linking the East Coast of the United States to the Gulf Coast. It was named for the European rulers responsible for its construction, who had ordered it to be built as a direct north-south route connecting the English colonies.
The Kings Highway also ran through the Mississippi River valley and its banks, connecting the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes region, in what is now known as the Midwest. This route played a essential role in the exploration and colonization of the Mississippi in the 17th and 18th centuries, giving increasing access to its source in the northern portion of the river. By understanding this path, the exploration of the Mississippi widened and extended, providing a greater knowledge of the region and its people.
Along the Kings Highway, travelers were able to learn the culture and language of the Chippewa, Anishinaabe, Sioux, and other Native American tribes, providing valuable insight into the customs of the land that would have otherwise never been known. This included the sacred sites of the area, such as the headwaters of the Mississippi River and its nearby regions, which have been inhabited by the indigenous peoples of North America since time immemorial.
The Kings Highway is a reminder of the transportation revolution that occurred in the Midwestern United States. It stands as a testament to its impact on the American landscape, and a source of inspiration to its many adventurers who wish to explore the path today.
The Role of Education
In order to appreciate the importance of the source of the Mississippi River and its discoveries by Lewis and Clark, it is necessary to teach students about its value as a national heritage. It is therefore essential to integrate the significance of the river’s history and the history of the exploration of the Kings Highway into the curriculum. This can help to not only educate the next generation, but also demonstrate the potential of exploration and discovery.
In modern times, students can visit the source of the Mississippi and learn more about its importance and the expedition of Lewis and Clark. With the help of experienced guides, they can also learn more about the history of the Chippewa tribe, as well as the language and customs of the local people. Furthermore, educational organizations and institutions can recommend activities to encourage students to explore and appreciate the source of the river, and form a greater understanding of both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
It is necessary to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of the source of the Mississippi River and the legacy of Lewis and Clark. Especially in an age of global division and ecological destruction, the knowledge of the source and its history holds the promise of greater understanding and a deeper appreciation of the region’s biodiversity.
