The Role of the Mississippi River in Shaping Early America: A Review of Empire of Commerce

Keywords: Mississippi River, Early America, Susan Gaunt Stearns, U.S. History, Spanish Closure, Frontier Economy, Andrew Jackson.

The formative years of the United States are often narrated through the lens of its 13 original colonies and their struggles on the eastern seaboard. However, Susan Gaunt Stearns’ latest book, Empire of Commerce: The Closing of the Mississippi and the Opening of Atlantic Trade (University of Virginia Press, 2024), repositions the Mississippi River as a central force in the nation’s early development. Through meticulous research, Stearns examines how control over this waterway not only shaped the country’s economy but also influenced major political events and westward expansion.

Revisiting the Traditional Narrative

Stearns challenges the common focus on colonial centers like Massachusetts and Virginia by highlighting the Mississippi River as a critical axis of commerce and political negotiation in the late 18th century. Her work illuminates the region’s significance, particularly the Mississippi Valley, which served as America’s first major frontier. “What I ultimately argue in my book is that the Mississippi River issue is hugely divisive and hugely important to the beginning of the country,” she states.

The Mississippi functioned as the young nation’s primary trade artery. Settlers used its waters to transport agricultural goods to population centers. Its importance in sustaining frontier settlements made its control a high-stakes issue for both American settlers and foreign powers.

The Spanish Closure of 1784

One of the book’s focal points is the 1784 closure of the Mississippi River to American trade by colonial Spanish authorities, who controlled New Orleans. Stearns delves into the geopolitical and economic implications of this pivotal event. By prohibiting American boats from accessing the port at New Orleans, Spain effectively blocked settlers from reaching vital markets.

Stearns vividly explains how this act of control amplified tensions: “If you control New Orleans, you control the river.” Settlers, dependent on river trade to earn a livelihood and buy land, found themselves economically stranded. Stearns’ examination of Lexington, Kentucky newspapers from the late 1780s reveals how deeply the river’s closure permeated local discourse, reflecting the settlers’ frustrations and fears.

The Mississippi’s Broader Impact on U.S. History

Through the Mississippi River’s story, Stearns weaves together key moments in the early republic’s history, including:

1. The Constitutional Convention of 1787:
   • The economic struggles of settlers underscored the need for a stronger central government capable of addressing trade and territorial disputes.
2. The Whiskey Rebellion:
   • Frontier farmers, already grappling with the lack of river access, were further burdened by a tax on distilled spirits, exacerbating tensions between rural and federal interests.
3. The Rise of Andrew Jackson:
   • Jackson, who hailed from the Mississippi region, rose to prominence championing frontier issues and later symbolized the rugged spirit of westward expansion.

A Window into the “Mississippi World”

Stearns’ research brings the Mississippi River to life, drawing on firsthand accounts and lively quotes from travelers and settlers. These narratives offer readers a glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs of life along the river. From trade to transportation, the river’s influence on settlers’ experiences underscores its role as both a lifeline and a point of contention.

Significance and Legacy

The book situates the Mississippi River as a vital thread in the fabric of U.S. history. Beyond being a geographical feature, the river shaped the country’s political, economic, and cultural identity. Stearns’ narrative reveals how its control became a defining issue in the nation’s early years, influencing debates over governance, trade, and expansion.

Conclusion

Empire of Commerce offers a compelling reexamination of early American history by placing the Mississippi River at its core. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, Susan Gaunt Stearns enriches our understanding of how geography and commerce intersected to shape the United States. Her work is a must-read for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper, more nuanced view of the nation’s origins.

Stay tuned for live updates on the rupee’s movement and real-time business news on Kanishk Social Media—your go-to source for comprehensive stock market and legal news.