Large bodies of water that flow through land and play crucial roles in transportation, trade, and settlement. In the context of European colonization, major rivers often served as routes for exploration and trade.
Related terms
Mississippi River: A major river flowing through central North America that played a significant role in French exploration and fur trading.
Hudson River: A river flowing through eastern New York State that was explored by Henry Hudson and played an important role in Dutch colonization.
St. Lawrence River: A large river connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean; it served as a vital waterway for French explorers and fur traders.