1519–1798
Before 1519, Native Americans were the only people living in the land that would become Mississippi. By 1798, the non-native population had grown to over 8,000. Who would ultimately control this region? Dramatic artifacts—including wrought-iron slave shackles—illustrate this time of transition.
- Investigate the stories of Hernando De Soto and other European explorers.
- Compare Native American and European military strategies and build your own model fort.
- Examine how beads, bells, and coins were traded among cultures.