El Misisipi

El Misisipi was the first Spanish-language newspaper published in the United States. Established in New Orleans, Louisiana, it began publication in 1808 and continued until 1810. Founded by Juan José Durán and funded by Governor William C.C. Claiborne, El Misisipi aimed to provide information to the Spanish-speaking population of the region following the Louisiana Purchase, addressing their concerns and facilitating their integration into the United States.^[1][2] It was followed by El Mensagero Luisianés after ceasing its publication.

El Misisipi

October 12, 1808 issue of El Misisipi
Type	Biweekly newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Founder	Juan José Durán (credited)
Editor	Unknown (possibly Juan José Durán or José Álvarez de Toledo)
Founded	1808 (1808)
Language	Spanish
Ceased publication	1910 (1910)
Headquarters	New Orleans, Louisiana
Country	United States
Media of the United States List of newspapers

The newspaper focused on political, commercial, and cultural issues, highlighting local and international news, especially regarding trade and politics related to Latin America and Spain. During its two years of publication, El Misisipi played a critical role in shaping public opinion among Spanish-speaking residents of New Orleans, providing them with information relevant to their new socio-political context under American rule.^[3]

El Misisipi maintained an editorial stance that opposed Napoleonic rule in Spain and expressed support for liberal Spanish patriots. The newspaper frequently reprinted anti-Napoleonic material, some of which was later circulated in other American and European publications. While El Misisipi operated under the expanded press freedoms granted following the Louisiana Purchase, it primarily focused on international political developments rather than promoting assimilation into American governance. Its content reflected a transatlantic political alignment with constitutionalist and anti-imperial factions in Spain, rather than serving as a direct instrument of U.S. territorial policy.^[4][5]

Although short-lived, El Misisipi set a precedent for future Spanish-language media in the United States, reflecting the diverse and multilingual nature of early American society.^[6] Its legacy illustrates the complexities of cultural integration and the role of media as an essential instrument in navigating political and social transitions. Today, El Misisipi is recognized as a foundational element of Hispanic journalism in the United States, symbolizing both the historical presence of Hispanic communities and their contributions to American culture and media.^[1][4]