Explorers of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi is one of the largest rivers in the United States, rolling through 10 states and numerous tributaries. It’s hard to believe this mighty body of water was once discovered by two brave and curious explorers. On April 7th, 1541, Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto and his band of 600 crossed the Mississippi River and became the first known Europeans to do so.
De Soto and his men set out from Tampa Bay in Florida to explore an area known as the “New World” or part of what we now call the United States. Heading inland, after a few months of exploring, De Soto and his men reached the Mississippi River near modern-day Memphis, Tennessee. It was from this point that they discovered the river and began their famous exploration of the river’s length.
De Soto explored the Mississippi from its headwaters near Minnesota all the way to the mouth of the river in the Gulf of Mexico. He traversed a distance of about 2,400 miles in about a year and gathered a wealth of knowledge about the new land. De Soto also encountered several Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, who helped guide and feed him as he made his way down the river. He died soon after reaching the river’s mouth, likely due to a fever.
De Soto’s exploration of the Mississippi was significant in many ways. His expedition provided Europeans with their first glimpse of the mysterious and vast Louisiana Territory which they had been struggling to settle for years. It also put Spain in the lead regarding claim of the area as the first Europeans to explore it. While his exploration may have been unsuccessful from a settlement standpoint, from a geographical standpoint we can thank de Soto for his efforts and first introduction to the mighty Mississippi.
Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet
DeSoto was not the only one to make the discovery of the Mississippi, however. In 1672, Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet left their expedition base in Green Bay, Wisconsin with five others and went to find the source of the Mississippi. This was around the same time the Hudson Bay Company was also developing trade in the area. Marquette was both priest and explorer and was eager to investigate the uncharted territory beyond the Mississippi.
Their goal was to find the source of the Mississippi, determine that it flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, identify the best route for developing trade, and to chart the way for France to establish outposts for control of the region. Upon reaching the Mississippi, the party followed it southward traveling in large birchbark canoes. Along the way they encountered Indians, who guarded the river from competitors, and traversed the treacherous rapids located throughout the terrain. The adventure included life threatening events they needed to wade through of which Marquette wrote extensively about.
Eventually the group encountered a mighty waterfall, which was the last obstacle that remained between their journey and the Gulf of Mexico. It took them four days to portage around the falls. Once to the mouth of the river, they encountered the French fort of St. Louis, which was later taken over by the Spanish. At this point, they were the first Europeans to identify the full course of the Mississippi River.
Marquette and Jolliet’s voyage left a lasting impression on the regions they explored and the native tribes they encountered. They created new maps of the area and brought information about their surroundings back to France. This knowledge served to provide France with greater power and influence in the region and gave them better control over the fur trading networks in the area.
Robert Cavalier de La Salle
Canadian explorer, Robert Cavalier de La Salle is another noteworthy explorer who encountered the Mississippi. In 1682, he and his companions set out from modern day Canada in search of the Mississippi River. They had heard of the river and believed that if they could find it, they could use it to create a trading network with France. La Salle was successful in his goals and by 1682 they had reached the banks of the Mississippi, becoming the first Europeans to do so since Marquette and Jolliet.
La Salle’s journey was filled with both successes and failures. He encountered many different native tribes, who were initially hostile but eventually assisted him in his journey and provided information that would prove invaluable in creating trade networks with other regions. He also encountered many dangerous animals and terrains, but was able to brave them with the help of his men. After many months of exploration, La Salle was able to reach the mouth of the Mississippi, once again proving the river’s connection to the Gulf of Mexico.
La Salle’s journey was part of a larger endeavor to find a route from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and back. He hoped this journey would prove beneficial to France, and when he returned to France he was given a hero’s welcome. Unfortunately, his voyage could not defend the French colony in Canada and his exploration had little impact on the development of the area.
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville was a French colonizer and the younger brother of Pierre Le Moyne, who first explored the eastern Louisiana in the 1680s. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jean-Baptiste set out to explore and settle the newly discovered Louisiana Territory, an area encompassing much of the Mississippi Valley. In 1699, he and his men began their journey by sailing down the Mississippi River, eventually reaching the mouth of the river in late November.
Bienville explored the river for almost two months, charting routes, recording landmarks and establishing relationships with various Native American tribes. He named numerous sites and eventually set up a colony, which he named Fort Maurepas, near present day Biloxi, Mississippi. This colony served as the first French settlement in the area and became the center for French control in the region. Bienville and his men witnessed firsthand the vastness of the region, from the lively culture of the Native American tribes to the thick, unending vegetation surrounding the great Mississippi.
Bienville’s voyage gave the French a firm foothold in the area and the explorer returned to France a hero, having established a vital trading post. Bienville’s journey also documented much of the unknown terrain of Louisiana and provided information that would be used in the development of the region. He also served as a link between the French and many of the native tribes, creating relationships of peace that lasted many years.
Impact of the Explorers
The encounters of the Mississippi by various explorers over the years have had a lasting impact on the region. Hernando de Soto, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, Robert Cavalier de La Salle, and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville all encountered the mighty river and contributed to the exploration and understanding of the area. These brave explorers provided Europe with the first glimpse of the Louisiana Territory and provided maps of the area which allowed for better planning when developing settlements.
In addition to their contributions to geography and cartography, these explorers also helped create strong relationships with the native tribes they encountered. Through their travels, these various explorers brought peace and understanding to the region, which led to a more purposeful collaboration between the French and the natives in the area. Additionally, these explorers helped create trade routes that allowed for the exchange of goods and resources among the Europeans, Native Americans, and other foreign settlers, thus laying the groundwork for today’s global economy.
The exploration of the Mississippi by these brave and curious men has left an indelible imprint on the region and the world at large. We can now truly appreciate their remarkable journey and the gifts they have bestowed on us.
Legacy of Exploration
The explorations of the Mississippi River resulted in a wealth of knowledge that would shape the future of the region and beyond. From its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the explorers encountered a wide variety of cultures and terrain. Each one left an indelible mark on their environment and their legacies continue to teach us today. The explorations of these brave men serve as a reminder of the importance of exploration and the spirit of invention.
Today, the Mississippi River is still a source of beauty, inspiration, and economic prosperity. DeSoto and the rest of the brave explorers that encountered the river left a lasting legacy for future generations to explore. Whether it be through admiration of its natural beauty, appreciation of the diverse wildlife, or our ongoing exploration, the Mississippi River will continue to captivate and enchant us for centuries to come.
Significance and Opportunity
The discovery of the Mississippi by Hernando de Soto, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, Robert Cavalier de La Salle, and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville served as an important moment in the history of North America. The explorations of these brave men laid the groundwork for the development of the region and provided valuable resources and knowledge to Europe. Despite their often dangerous experiences, these explorers pushed forward and documented the area, contributing to its settlement and providing new opportunities for its further understanding and expansion.
The importance of the exploration of the Mississippi is still seen today and the significance of this journey cannot be understated. By encountering the river, these brave explorers were able to create new trade routes and networks that would have a lasting effect on the region as well as serve as a reminder of the importance of exploration and curiosity. As we look at the Mississippi today, we can appreciate the contributions these men made and the wealth of knowledge they left behind.
Environmental Impact
The exploration of the Mississippi had a significant impact on the environment. As settlers traversed its length, they had to make their way through thick vegetation and often dangerous conditions. This resulted in the alteration of the landscape and the displacement of many of the native species. As more and more settlers moved into the area, hunting and logging became commonplace. This had a significant impact on the environment and the way we interact with it today.
Today, the Mississippi is still home to many species of plants and animals, though their numbers have decreased due to human activity. Additionally, the waterway has suffered from pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff and urbanization. To protect this vital ecosystem, conservation efforts are underway to safeguard the waterway and its inhabitants. These efforts include reforestation, the usage of more sustainable agricultural practices, and the mitigation of nonpoint-source pollution.
The exploration of the Mississippi was a major milestone for the region, and its legacy still lives on today. The discovery of the river opened up many opportunities for growth and expansion and allowed for the development of the area. Unfortunately, this also brought a number of unforeseen environmental issues. We must consider our impact and strive to protect this vital resource for future generations.
