Why were the city of new orleans and the mississippi river important to farmers in the early 1800s?

Because it was a good water, food, and trade source and was also part of the Louisiana Purchase. But farmers would float their crops down the river that they would load onto ships that would head towards Europe for cities on the easy coast. And there was also very good soil for growing crops. 

Hope this helps

Iwould have to say c. the german americans.