Pierce Mullen
A native Nebraskan, Pierce Mullen was a professor of history, with specialization in the history of science, at Montana State University from l963-l996.
Presently emeritus professor of history, he pursues interests in the Lewis and Clark story, and the history of biomedical science. The first year medical program at MSU has sponsored the Volney W. Steele, MD seminar in the history of medicine in the American West and Pierce has been involved with those programs.
In a period when we are likely to see the emergence of revolutionary movements around the world, the American model which culminated in our early national period, the time of Lewis and Clark, is of timely significance.
Contributions
The Louisiana Purchase
by Pierce MullenEaster week in Paris, 1803, was truly momentous for the young United States of America. The American Minister to France, Robert R. Livingston was sent to discuss the difficult question of New Orleans, the Mississippi and Franco-American relations.
On 9 April 1682, René La Salle, claimed “possession of this country of Louisiana.” Thus, without any belligerent confrontations began the decline of one already ancient meta-culture, and the rise of a succession of new empires.
Determining the extent of the upper Missouri watershed was the single most important task Lewis and Clark faced. Their search for the westernmost source of the Jefferson River nearly cost them their lives.
It begins 14,000 years ago with Indian occupancy of the lower Mississippi Valley. La Salle comes in 1682 claiming it for France.