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Mississippi River Valley

Definition

The Mississippi River Valley refers to the area surrounding and including the Mississippi River, which stretches from Minnesota to Louisiana in the United States. This region has been significant throughout U.S. history for its role in transportation, agriculture, and trade.

Analogy

Think of the Mississippi River Valley as a major highway system. Just like highways connect cities and facilitate commerce today, this river was a crucial route for trade and communication during early American history.

Related terms

Ohio River Valley: A fertile region along the Ohio River that was a contentious area between French, British, and Native American powers during colonial times.

Louisiana Purchase: The 1803 purchase by the United States of approximately 828,000 square miles of French territory, which included much of the Mississippi River Valley.

Steamboat Era: A period in U.S. history (roughly 1807-1860) when steamboats were a primary means of transportation on rivers like the Mississippi.