SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN
Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer and navigator who mapped much of northeastern North America and started a settlement in Quebec. Champlain also discovered lake Champlain that was named after himself (1609). Champlain was important in establishing and administering the French colonies in "The New World", called New France.
"For many years I had been eager to explore the rivers, lakes, and streams
of the interior. I had the hope of getting to know the country and of bringing
the people (natives) to a knowledge of the one true God"
To make the St. Lawrence a safe trading route and to protect the new colony
at Quebec, Champlain supported the Huron and Algonkian Indians against their
rival enemies, the Iroquois.
FACTFILE: Champlain was an excellent navigator and mapmaker. From a single point in a bay he could draw an accurate map of the shoreline. Some of his maps are good enough for sailors to use today.
Diary Entry:
Copyright © 2001 C. Fotheringham, P. Milz, and Galileo Educational Network Association™