Historically Muslims have made major contribution, e.g. humanities, the sciences, and art. They used the Mississippi river as their access route to and from the continent's interior. These Muslim explorers were from Mali and other parts of West Africa. 1513 Pri Ries completes his first world map, including the American, after research maps from all over the world. The practicality and artistry of his map surpassed any from his time or before.
African slaves arrive in America.
During the slave trade, more than 10 million Africans were uprooted from their homes and brought to American shores. Many of these slaves were from the Fulas, Fula Jallon, Fula Toro, and Massiona as well as other areas of West Africa. These slaves were sent to Mexico, Cuba, and South America. More than 30 percent of these 10 million slaves were Muslim. They became the backbone of the American economy.