1795 Pickney's Treaty

This treaty established the 31st parallel as the Southern border of the United States with the Spanish Empire. It also gave the United States navigation rights to the Mississippi River.

The weakness of the Spanish Empire resulted in its agreeing to the Treaty of San Lorenzo. This treaty later became known as "Pinckney's Treaty," named after the American Ambassador who handled its negotiation. The Spanish agreed to all of the American demands. The Spanish were willing to recognize the 31st parallel as the Southern border of the United States. In addition, they granted the United States navigation rights to the Mississippi River. This included the right to use the port of New Orleans, opening the way to shipping products down the Mississippi River, from which goods could be sent by sea to the East coast or Europe.