Historical Uses of the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River has been a vital transportation corridor for centuries. Native American tribes used it for trade and travel long before European arrival. In the 16th–17th centuries, French and Spanish explorers penetrated the interior via the river. By the 18th century, it became a major trade route between the eastern US and the Midwest. Steamboats in the early 19th century further enhanced its importance. The river has also supported fishing, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation.