How the United States Secured the Mississippi River, One Mile at a Time
The Race for Control
Securing the Mississippi River was a crucial endeavor for the United States in its early years. Back then, the river was not just a waterway but a lifeline for trade, transportation, and expansion.

To assert control, the U.S. embarked on a strategic effort to gradually claim territory along the riverbank.
Mile by Mile
The process of securing the Mississippi River was meticulous and methodical. It involved a series of treaties, negotiations, and sometimes conflicts with Native American tribes and European powers who also sought control of this vital water route. By acquiring land and establishing forts and settlements along the river's course, the United States steadily expanded its influence and control.