Marquette and Jolliet Discover the Mississippi River
June 17th, 1673
June 17th, 1673

How Long Ago?
351 years, 8 months, 26 days ago
Location
Mississippi River, United States
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Louis Jolliet
- Jacques Marquette
Links & References
Tags
Marquette and Jolliet Discover the Mississippi River
French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet navigated the Mississippi River, marking the first detailed European account of its course. Departing from St. Ignace, they journeyed south and explored the river’s fertile lands and indigenous territories, gathering crucial information about the regions and peoples they encountered. Their expedition was motivated by the search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean and the potential for trade, leading to significant insights into the geography and ecology of North America.
Explored Mississippi in quest for Pacific route.
Marked first detailed European account of river.
Encountered multiple Native American tribes.
Contributed to French territorial claims in North America.
What Happened?
Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, and Louis Jolliet, a skilled cartographer and explorer, set out on an ambitious expedition to explore the Mississippi River. Their journey began in St. Ignace, located in the Michigan Territory, where they assembled a small contingent and canoes to traverse uncharted territories. After navigating through various lakes and rivers, the duo reached the confluence of the Mississippi River, marking a pivotal moment in European exploration of North America. Their expedition commenced in the spring of 1673, demonstrating their desire to find a passage leading to the Pacific and establish vital trade routes.
As they traveled south along the Mississippi, Marquette and Jolliet encountered several Native American tribes, including the Illinois and the Osage. They carefully documented their interactions and collected valuable insights regarding the local geography, natural resources, and indigenous cultures, which would later inform European settlements and bolster trade networks. The explorers noted the river’s width, flow, and the lush, fertile landscapes that lined its banks—details that would prove crucial for future explorers and settlers. Their mapping would eventually aid in the French colonial ambitions in the region as they sought to expand territories and bolster economic interests.
The duo's expedition concluded near the Arkansas River, where they turned back due to concerns about potential conflicts with hostile tribes, securing a wealth of information about the Mississippi’s potential for navigation and resource exploitation. Upon returning, they presented their findings to French authorities, emphasizing the strategic importance of the river as a trade route and a key asset for territorial expansion. Their detailed maps and reports established a foundational understanding of the river, setting the stage for future exploration and colonization in the wider Mississippi Valley.
Why Does it Matter?
The journey of Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet was significant as it provided the first comprehensive European account of the Mississippi River's course. Their findings not only advanced European knowledge of the region but also catalyzed further exploration and settlement. The detailed mapping of the river laid the groundwork for future interactions with Native American tribes and established French claims to vast territories, shaping the geopolitical landscape of North America for years to come.
Discover More Historic Events from June 17th
Juneteenth Becomes Official Federal Holiday
Juneteenth National Independence Day was established as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the bill into law. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated annually on June 19. The passage of the bill marks a significant moment in American history recognizing the struggles against racism and the continued fight for civil rights. More than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth received formal recognition at the national level.
Continue ReadingDevastating wildfires in central Portugal
In June, wildfires erupted in central Portugal, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis. The wildfires, fueled by extreme temperatures and strong winds, claimed the lives of at least 64 individuals and injured 204 others. Most of the fatalities occurred as people attempted to escape the flames or were caught in their vehicles. The blaze spread rapidly through the region, particularly affecting forests and rural areas. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the weather conditions, creating a significant challenge for emergency responders. The incident raised awareness about fire safety regulations and forest management practices in Portugal.
Continue ReadingMass shooting at Emanuel AME Church
A gunman entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a prayer meeting, opened fire, and killed nine people, including the pastor. The attack occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, and was driven by racial motivations. The shooter, identified as Dylann Roof, later confessed to intending to spark a race war. The incident shocked the nation and reignited debates over gun control and racial tensions in America.
Continue ReadingO. J. Simpson's Low-Speed Chase and Arrest
O. J. Simpson was arrested following a dramatic low-speed car chase on national television. The chase began in a white Ford Bronco, driven by his friend Al Cowlings, as it traveled through Los Angeles. Police were pursuing Simpson in connection with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. The chase captured the attention of millions across the United States, culminating in Simpson's eventual surrender at his home. The chase became a media spectacle, reflecting societal interests in celebrity culture and crime.
Continue ReadingU.S. and Russia Sign Arms Reduction Agreement
U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a 'joint understanding' agreement aimed at arms reduction, which would later be formally codified in START II. This agreement showcased a significant step towards nuclear disarmament during a period of post-Cold War thawing relations between the U.S. and Russia. The signing occurred in Washington, D.C., reflecting both leaders' commitment to reducing nuclear arsenals and fostering a cooperative bilateral relationship.
Continue ReadingRepeal of the Population Registration Act
The South African Parliament repealed the Population Registration Act, which mandated racial classification of all citizens at birth. This law was a key component of apartheid, enforcing racial segregation and discrimination. The repeal marked a significant step towards dismantling the apartheid system. With this change, the government sought to eliminate official racial classifications and promote a more inclusive society. The decision was part of a broader series of reforms aimed at achieving equality and ending decades of institutionalized racism in South Africa.
Continue Reading