How the Mississippi River Shaped Early America: Insights from Empire of Commerce

Keywords: Mississippi River, Early America, Susan Gaunt Stearns, U.S. History, Economic Policy, Spanish Closure, Frontier Expansion.

Introduction

The story of the United States’ formation often centers on the 13 original colonies and their journey to independence. However, Susan Gaunt Stearns’ new book, Empire of Commerce: The Closing of the Mississippi and the Opening of Atlantic Trade (University of Virginia Press, 2024), challenges this traditional narrative. The work delves into the critical role the Mississippi River played in shaping the economic and political trajectory of the young nation, offering fresh insights into its formative years.

A Disruptive Perspective on Early America

Stearns, an associate professor of history at the University of Mississippi, argues that the Mississippi River was not just a geographic boundary but a pivotal factor in the nation’s economic and political development. “This is not the traditional story,” she notes, emphasizing how the river’s control influenced the dynamics of westward expansion, trade, and national unity.

Rather than focusing solely on colonial powerhouses like Massachusetts or Virginia, Stearns spotlights the Mississippi Valley, the 18th-century equivalent of the “American Old West.” Its fertile farmlands and vital riverways became the lifeline for settlers seeking to connect with distant markets.

The Spanish Closure of the Mississippi (1784)

A key turning point highlighted in the book occurred in 1784, just one year after the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. The Spanish, who controlled New Orleans at the river’s mouth, closed the port to American trade. This move effectively shut off access to the Mississippi, disrupting settlers’ ability to transport goods and jeopardizing the economic viability of their frontier settlements.

Stearns explains the strategic significance: “If you control New Orleans, you control the river.” By barring American boats from the port, Spain wielded immense power over the young nation’s western economy. Settlers found themselves trapped, unable to monetize their agricultural produce or acquire the funds necessary to secure their land claims.

The Mississippi’s Role in Shaping U.S. Economic Policy

The book links the Mississippi River’s closure to broader developments in American economic and political history, including:

1. The Constitutional Convention of 1787:
   • The economic challenges faced by western settlers, including restricted trade, were a major factor in the push for a stronger federal government.
   • The Mississippi issue underscored the need for unified policies to manage commerce and territorial disputes.
2. The Whiskey Rebellion:
   • The tax on distilled spirits disproportionately impacted farmers in the frontier regions, many of whom relied on whiskey as a transportable commodity in the absence of viable river trade.
3. The Rise of Andrew Jackson:
   • The Mississippi and its surrounding region were central to the early career of Andrew Jackson, who would later champion westward expansion and frontier interests during his presidency.

Economic Significance of the Mississippi

The Mississippi River served as America’s first major highway, enabling the transportation of agricultural goods from the western frontier to population centers in the east. Stearns’ research, which draws on 18th-century newspapers from towns like Lexington, Kentucky, reveals how deeply the river permeated public discourse. The closure of the Mississippi highlighted the critical importance of infrastructure and access to markets in sustaining the American frontier.

Richly Detailed Narratives

Stearns’ book is notable for its vivid storytelling, enriched by firsthand accounts of life along the Mississippi. These personal narratives transport readers into the lived experiences of settlers navigating the challenges of trade, governance, and survival in the early republic.

Conclusion

Empire of Commerce redefines our understanding of early American history by placing the Mississippi River at the center of the nation’s story. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Stearns demonstrates how the river shaped not just the economy but also the political and cultural identity of the fledgling United States. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the intertwined relationship between geography and history in shaping the destiny of nations.

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