How did Native American communities use the Mississippi River for transportation and food?

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For Native American communities, the Mississippi River served as both a vital highway and a essential larder.1

Transportation

The river functioned as a primary transportation artery. Indigenous peoples navigated the waters using cottonwood dugouts and bark canoes, which allowed for travel, trade, and the movement of various tribes across the region.1

Food Source

The river provided a critical food supply for the tribes living along its banks. Fish taken from the river served as a mainstay of their diet. Additionally, many tribes, such as the Illinois, established prosperous agricultural communities in the river valley, further utilizing the fertile environment to support their populations.1