THIS is the order in which the Great Lakes were discovered by the French explorers: Huron in 1615 , by Le Caron, the Recollect friar, and by Champlain, one of the greatest navigators in New France; Ontario, during the same year, by Champlain; Superior, about 1629, by Etienne Brule; Michigan, in 1634, by Jean Nicolet; ...
Why did the French explore the Great Lakes?
For the early French explorers, the more continent they discovered the more their hopes were frustrated. They had hoped that the vast St. Lawrence-Great Lakes waterway was part of a Northwest Passage to the wealth of the Orient. They were eager to hear word of salt water and strange people to the west.
When did the French explore the Great Lakes?
In the 1600s the French explored along water routes (such as the Fox and Wisconsin rivers) connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. They built forts, missions, and trading posts along the strategic routes, long used by native peoples for trade.
Did Louis XIV explore the Great Lakes?
Exploring the Great Lakes Region
La Salle sold his settlement and in 1673 traveled to France to obtain permission from French King Louis XIV to explore the region between Florida, Mexico and New France .
Who was the first European to discover the Great Lakes?
For four years, Champlain had had no connection or communication with Brûlé who, it is thought, was then the first European to see Great Lakes. In 1615, they met again at Huronia. There, Brûlé informed Champlain of his adventures and explorations through North America.
In the late eighteenth century, most of them were in the hands of the middle class , of people of French or British origin.
Did the French discover America?
France: Giovanni da Verrazano, Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain. While Spain was building its New World empire, France was also exploring the Americas. ... He was followed in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal.
What was the first great lake discovered?
THIS is the order in which the Great Lakes were discovered by the French explorers: Huron in 1615, by Le Caron, the Recollect friar, and by Champlain, one of the greatest navigators in New France; Ontario, during the same year, by Champlain; Superior, about 1629, by Etienne Brule; Michigan, in 1634, by Jean Nicolet; ...
Who was sent to drive out the French?
Governor Robert Dinwiddie sent 21-year-old Major George Washington of the Virginia Regiment on a mission to confront the French forces. Washington was to deliver a message from the governor demanding that the French leave the region and halt their harassment of English traders.
Why did the French come to Michigan?
The first Europeans to arrive in Michigan were the French. Explorer Etienne Brule traveled through Michigan in 1618 searching for a route to China . Soon the French laid claim to the land and began to trade with the local natives for furs.
Who first discovered Lake Superior?
Etienne Brule is credited with the European discovery of Lake Superior before 1620. He may have traveled on the Lake as far west as Isle Royale. Raymbault visited the St. Marys Rapids in 164l, learning about the Dakota (Sioux) who lived beyond its shores.
Who found Lake Ontario?
The lake’s name comes from an Iroquois word for “a beautiful lake.” The first European to see reach Lake Ontario was Étienne Brulé , the French explorer and protégé of Samuel de Champlain. Brûlé is believed to have reached Lake Huron and Lake Ontario around 1615, according to the Canadian Museum of History.
What was the first permanent French colony in the Americas?
Lawrence in 1603. In the next year he was on the Bay of Fundy and had a share in founding the first French colony in North America—that of Port-Royal, (now Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia) . In 1608 he began the settlement that was named Quebec, selecting a commanding site that controlled the narrowing of the St.
What was Etienne Brule goal?
Travelling with his adopted people, Brûlé was likely the first European to see Lakes Ontario, Huron and Superior and on a mission to the Susquehannock he roamed as far as Chesapeake Bay. He was captured by the Iroquois and ritually tortured but was released, likely on a promise to promote an alliance with the French .
Who first explored Michigan?
French explorers were the first Europeans to reach Michigan and the first to establish settlements. It’s believe Brule explored the Sault Ste. Marie area around 1620 and subsequently went as far west as the Keweenaw Peninsula.
What did the French discover?
France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America. Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish, rice, sugar, and furs.
