Who Discovered the Mississippi River?

The discovery of the Mississippi River can be attributed to the ancient Native Americans and European explorers. It was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples before the Europeans came. However, the river was first seen by a Spanish adventurer and explorer, Hernando de Soto, in 1541.

First European to Discover the Mississippi River

The Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto discovered the Mississippi River on May 8, 1541. He became the first documented European to reach the waterway. However, native American tribes lived along the river for 9,000 years before European arrival.

Which European explorer first reached the river?

The Mississippi River was first seen by the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto.

He was the leader of a large expedition through the southeastern part of North America. His crew landed on the banks of the river near present-day Memphis, Tennessee on May 8, 1541. This was the first European discovery of the Mississippi river.

De Soto called the body of water as Rio del Espiritu Santo. The Spanish name for the same means the River of the Holy Spirit. Through this water route began Spanish exploration of North America.

Who lived along the Mississippi River before Europeans?

The Mississippi River was explored and utilized by native American tribes thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. They used the water to drink, for hunting fish and travelling from one place to another.

The name of the river is derived from the Anishinaabe word Misi-ziibi which translates to "huge river. Various indigenous groups built complex cities along the river valleys. The best known was the Mississippian culture, which built large earthen mounds. 

The biggest city was Cahokia which was near the present day St. Louis. During the eleventh century, Cahokia was home to around 20,000 people. This demonstrates that the river was already an important trade center prior to 1541

Which French explorers mapped the river?

The Mississippi River was explored from its source to its mouth in the seventeenth century by 3 French explorers. They desired to dominate the fur trade over North America.

Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet explored the northern part of the river in 1673. They were interested in determining if it would flow into the Pacific Ocean.

In 1682, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle discovered the mouth of the Mississippi river. He took possession of all the river valley for Louis XIV of France. He named the great valley Louisiana, after the king of France.

Interesting Facts about the Mississippi River

Here are various interesting facts about the Mississippi River:

1. Mississippi river is the second longest river in North America, covering a distance of 3,766 kilometers.

2. The river passes through at least 10 states of the USA, covering Minnesota to Louisiana.

3. The Mississippi River basin is the fourth largest river basin in the world.

4. The Mississippi Delta in Louisiana is known for the richness of its soil. This makes it ideal for growing sugar cane, soybeans.

5. The Mississippi River is home to 25% of all North American fish species.

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