La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West: France and England in North America

In the annals of exploration, few names stand taller than René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. A French explorer and fur trader, La Salle's intrepid expeditions into the heart of North America forever altered the course of history. His quest for a passage to the Pacific Ocean and the establishment of a vast French empire in the New World captivated the imagination of the world.

This article delves into the fascinating life and extraordinary achievements of La Salle, chronicling his groundbreaking explorations, the challenges he faced, and the profound impact he left on the exploration and colonization of North America.

La Salle was born into a wealthy merchant family in Rouen, France, in 1643. From a young age, he displayed an unyielding curiosity and a thirst for adventure. His education at the Jesuit College of Rouen instilled in him a deep understanding of mathematics, geography, and the classics.

La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West France and England in North America

by Francis Parkman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	800 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
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Inspired by the tales of Jesuit missionaries in New France, La Salle dreamed of exploring the unknown wilderness of North America. In 1666, at the age of 23, he set sail for Quebec, eager to embark on his life-changing journey.

La Salle's initial years in New France were spent exploring the vast interior of the continent. He traveled extensively throughout the Great Lakes region, establishing trading posts and forging alliances with Native American tribes. La Salle quickly recognized the immense potential of the fur trade and envisioned connecting the fur-rich interior with the lucrative markets of Europe.

In 1673, La Salle and his companions established Fort Frontenac at the outlet of Lake Ontario, a strategic location that controlled access to the western fur trade. From there, he ventured further west, establishing additional trading posts and extending French influence deep into the Ohio Valley.

La Salle's greatest ambition was to discover a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean, a dream that had eluded European explorers for centuries. In 1679, he set out from Fort Frontenac with a group of intrepid explorers, determined to find the legendary Mississippi River, which he believed would lead him to the Pacific.

After months of arduous travel and perilous encounters with hostile tribes, La Salle and his party reached the banks of the Mississippi River in 1682. They descended the river for over 1,000 miles, exploring the vast network of tributaries and encountering diverse Native American cultures along the way.

As La Salle explored the Mississippi, he recognized its strategic importance as a potential gateway to the west. He established Fort Saint Louis in present-day Illinois, which became a major center for trade, exploration, and diplomacy.

The Illinois Country, as La Salle named the region, attracted settlers and traders from throughout New France. He envisioned a grand scheme to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, creating a vast inland empire that would rival the colonial holdings of England and Spain.

In 1685, La Salle embarked on his most ambitious expedition yet, aiming to reach the mouth of the Mississippi River and claim the lands beyond for France. After a treacherous journey down the river, he reached the Gulf of Mexico in April 1687.

At the mouth of the Mississippi, La Salle erected a wooden post and proclaimed the entire Mississippi Valley, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf, a possession of King Louis XIV of France. He named the vast territory "Louisiana" in honor of his sovereign.

La Salle's return to New France was met with both acclaim and skepticism. Some questioned the veracity of his claims, while others recognized the immense potential of his discoveries. Despite the challenges he faced, La Salle remained determined to establish a permanent French colony at the mouth of the Mississippi.

In 1689, La Salle set sail from France with a group of colonists and soldiers, aiming to establish a trading post and fort at the mouth of the Mississippi. However, a series of misfortunes plagued the expedition. They missed the Mississippi River, landed in present-day Texas, and encountered hostile tribes that attacked the colony.

On March 19, 1687, La Salle was murdered by mutinous members of his own expedition. His tragic death cut short his ambitious plans, but his legacy lived on. La Salle's discoveries had forever altered the geopolitical landscape of North America, paving the way for French and English rivalry in the New World.

The Mississippi River Valley, which La Salle had explored and claimed for France, became a vital artery of commerce and westward expansion for both countries. His explorations contributed to the expansion of European influence across the continent and shaped the future of the United States.

La Salle's impact on the history of North America cannot be overstated. He was a visionary explorer who expanded the known world, challenged the dominance of the British, and played a pivotal role in the shaping of the American continent.

• French Exploration and Colonization: La Salle's discoveries and claims for France laid the foundation for French exploration and colonization in North America. The Mississippi Valley became a vital part of the French colonial empire, with outposts and settlements stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

• Rivalry between France and England: La Salle's explorations brought him into direct competition with English explorers, such as Henry Hudson and James Cook. The rivalry between France and England for control of North America intensified as both countries sought to expand their territories and establish dominance over the fur trade and other resources.

• Westward Expansion: La Salle's westward explorations paved the way for the subsequent westward expansion of the United States. His discoveries and maps provided invaluable information for later explorers and settlers who pushed further into the interior of North America.

La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West is a captivating account of one of the most daring and influential explorers in history. His unwavering determination, visionary ideas, and pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on the exploration and colonization of North America.

La Salle's legacy extends beyond his own lifetime and continues to inspire generations of adventurers and historians alike. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human exploration and the profound impact it can have on the course of history.

La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West France and England in North America

by Francis Parkman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	800 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE