1825: Explorer Hugh Clapperton attempts to determine the course of the Niger River.

1830: The British government commissions Richard and John Lander, English explorers of West Africa, to complete Clapperton's exploration of the river. The brother's explorations determined the Niger River flowed into the Atlantic Ocean, dispelling the previous belief that the Niger was a tributary of the Nile River.

2000: The river Niger provides irrigation for agriculture and serves as a major means of transportation to the cities and villages it transgresses. Many visitors can travel the Niger River on large river boats, which takes them down the river and over half the country in one week's time. Tourists can also take more leisurely tours on the river by using a traditional pirogue (small canoe) or a pinasse (motor boat).

1950s: Malcolm X becomes the primary spokesman for the Nation of Islam. The Nation's message, preaching...