Background Information
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the world, acting as a natural border between numerous states in the USA. Spanning around 2320 miles, it is the second longest river in the United States. For centuries, it has been an integral part of American history and has served as an important travel route and source of freshwater. However, this begs the question – who was the first European to discover the Mississippi River?
Revealing the Explorer
The journey to discover the Mississippi River began in 1673. An explorer by the name of Louis Jolliet was sent on a mission by the French government to explore the region. This expedition was part of a larger effort to expand French control over the New World. Jolliet and his companion Jacques Marquette discovered the Mississippi River on their way to explore the Wisconsin River.
Jolliet’s Achievement
Jolliet is often credited as the first European to set eyes on the Mississippi. His exploration of the river played an important role in French control over the region. He is also credited with creating the first map of the river, which was later used by other explorers to further explore the region. Jolliet’s discovery of the Mississippi was the subject of several famous works of art, including paintings, books and small scale sculptures.
The Meaning Behind Jolliet’s Voyage
Jolliet’s voyage meant much more than just the discovery of the Mississippi. His travels and exploration of the area were a symbol of the struggle for power between the French and the Native American tribes in the region. Contrary to popular belief, Jolliet was known to have a great relationship with the Native American tribes and he was known to have traded goods with them. It was also rumored that Jolliet had a Native American lover when he journeyed down the Mississippi.
The Legacy of Jolliet’s Voyage
The legacy of Jolliet’s voyage down the Mississippi is still felt to this day. His voyage serves as a reminder of the struggles between the French colonialists and Native Americans at the time. It is also an example of the dangers that explorers have to face when they venture into uncharted areas. Jolliet has gone down in history as one of the greatest explorers of his time and his discovery of the Mississippi River remains one of the most celebrated achievements of the era.
The Consequences of Jolliet’s Voyage
The discovery of the Mississippi by Jolliet had far-reaching consequences. It opened up the region to further exploration and the potential for the French to gain control of the area. The effects of this exploration are still felt to this day, as large areas of the US are still home to many remnants of French architecture and culture.
Impact on the Native Americans
The discovery of the Mississippi also had a profound impact on the Native American communities living in the region. Many tribes were pushed out of their homes and forced to relocate in order to make way for the expanding French influence. This migration ultimately opened up the area for further settlement by Europeans and led to a significant decrease in the number of Native Americans in the region.
Lack of Recognition
Sadly, Jolliet’s accomplishments have often gone unrecognized in history. His voyage is a marvel of exploration and his achievements are an invaluable part of America’s past. Despite this, Jolliet’s fame has often been overshadowed by other explorers, such as Columbus and Magellan, who achieved similar feats of exploration before him.
Continuing Explorations
Jolliet’s voyage down the Mississippi River was just the beginning. Over the centuries, more explorers followed in his footsteps in order to expand the boundaries of our knowledge. Eventually, the river would be mapped out in its entirety and its importance to the United States would be fully realized.
Implications of Jolliets Voyage
The discovery of the Mississippi by Jolliet had a lasting impact on the history of the United States. His exploration served as a catalyst for further exploration and colonization of the New World. It also marked the beginning of a new era of exploration, leading to the eventual discovery of new lands and opening up of new trade routes.
Effects on Trade and Technology
The discovery of the Mississippi by Jolliet also had far-reaching implications for the economies of the countries involved. The river served as a natural border, allowing for free and easy trade between the countries on either side. This opened up new opportunities for growth and it also provided a platform for technological advancements and innovations.
Looking to the Future
As we look towards the future, Jolliet’s exploration of the Mississippi River serves as an important chapter in the history of exploration. His achievements have been overshadowed in history, but they remain invaluable to the understanding of the development of the United States. The Mississippi will continue to act as a source of inspiration and knowledge as we look forward to future explorations.
