Who were the first Europeans to travel down the Mississippi River?

The correct choice identifies Fr. Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet as the first Europeans to travel down the Mississippi River in 1673. Their expedition was significant in expanding European knowledge of North America, particularly regarding the geography and indigenous populations of the region. Marquette, a Jesuit priest, and Joliet, a fur trader, journeyed from Canada down the Mississippi River, mapping the areas they explored and establishing contact with various Native American tribes along the way. This exploration laid the groundwork for later French claims on the Mississippi River and surrounding territories.

While there were other Europeans who explored parts of North America, Marquette and Joliet's journey specifically focused on the Mississippi River, making their expedition historically notable as it marked one of the earliest instances of European exploration along this major waterway. The other groups listed did engage in exploration, but they did not travel down the Mississippi River in the same context or timeframe.