15 Interesting Facts About Robert de La Salle

Introduction:

Robert de La Salle is an important figure in the history of North America, as this 17th-century French explorer was the first to journey from the Saint Lawrence River to the mouth of the Mississippi River. He was also able to explore the Great Lakes region. Over the centuries, his exploits have inspired numerous books, movies, and even monuments honoring the heroic figure. Here are 15 amazing facts about Robert de La Salle that you’ll soon be adding to your list of beloved trivia.

Fact 1: He was born in 1643

Robert de La Salle was born on November 21, 1643 in Rouen, France. He was the son of a wealthy aristocrat who was also a civil servant. His family was comfortably well off, allowing him to receive a high-quality education.

Fact 2: He Joined the Jesuits

Though Robert de La Salle was born to privilege, he chose to abandon it and entered the Jesuit seminary in 1667. He would later travel to Canada with missionaries in an effort to convert the Indigenous people to Christianity. After four years in Canada, he left the Jesuit order in 1673.

Fact 3: He Was an Entrepreneur

It’s not very well known, but Robert de La Salle was an entrepreneur. He partnered with other traders and investors to open a supply store in the French colony of Quebec in 1675. He also opened and ran an orange trading business with his business partner, Jerome le Royer.

Fact 4: He Led the First French Expedition

Robert de La Salle was the leader of the first French expedition to explore the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. He left Quebec in August of 1678 and sailed his ship, the Griffon, to the Great Lakes. He eventually arrived in the vicinity of present-day Niagara Falls, where his crew explored up the Niagara River, the Genesee River, and the Chenango River.

Fact 5: He Was the First to Explore the Great Lakes Region

Robert de La Salle was the first European to explore the Great Lakes region, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. He and his crew also traveled down the Illinois River and reached the mouth of the Mississippi River in April of 1682.

Fact 6: He Named the Mississippi River

Robert de La Salle was the first to give the Mississippi River its name. He named it “Rivière Colbert” in honor of his friend, the French finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Over time, it was later changed to the Mississippi River.

Fact 7: He Claimed Louisiana for France

At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Robert de La Salle planted a lead plate and claimed the entire area for France, calling it Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. He also established Fort Saint Louis near the mouth of the Illinois River.

Fact 8: He Led More Expeditions

Robert de La Salle continued exploring and leading expeditions for the French. He led an expedition to the Gulf of Mexico that he hoped would lead him to China, and then another expedition along the Gulf Coast. He eventually died in 1686 in Texas, just before he was about to embark on another expedition.

Fact 9: He Was One of the Most Revered Explorers of His Time

Robert de La Salle was one of the most revered explorers of his time. He was admired for his courage, determination, and ambition. Among his admirers was King Louis XIV, who referred to him as “the incomparable navigator”.

Fact 10: He Was Inspiration for the Oregon Trail

Robert de La Salle’s expeditions were a source of inspiration for the legendary Oregon Trail. The route of the Oregon Trail largely followed the path taken by Robert de La Salle’s original expeditions.

Fact 11: He Is Honored with Statues and Monuments

Robert de La Salle’s contribution to North American history is honored with numerous statues and monuments. He has a monument in St. Louis, as well as monuments in various places in the Great Lakes region. There are also numerous statues of him in France and in some of the places he explored.

Fact 12: He Was Dramatized in Movies and Television

Robert de La Salle’s exploits have been dramatized in various movies and television series. Most notably, he was a main character in the 1965 television series “The Great Adventure”, and he was also portrayed in the 2009 movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”.

Fact 13: He Has Books Written About Him

Throughout the years, Robert de La Salle has been the subject of many books. Most packed with adventure and mystery, they reveal the achievements and adventures of this great explorer. Among the most popular of these books are “Lafitte’s Treasure: The Adventures of Robert La Salle” and “A Desperate Voyage: The Journey of Robert La Salle”.

Fact 14: He Discovered Ammonite Fossils

On one of his expeditions, Robert de La Salle and his crew discovered various ammonite fossils. Ammonites are sea creatures that lived millions of years ago and are now only found as fossils.

Fact 15: His Death Is Shrouded in Mystery

The exact circumstances of Robert de La Salle’s death remain a mystery, though it is widely believed that he was killed by his own men. It is believed that they were angry about their prolonged stay in the New World and resented La Salle’s leadership.

Conclusion

Robert de La Salle was a brave explorer who journeyed deep into the wilderness of North America, discovering and claiming vast territories and uncovering some of the world’s greatest mysteries. The stories of his exploits make for amazing tales, and will likely be remembered for generations. Despite his untimely death, his legacy remains strong through the memories of those he influenced and the many monuments and tributes to this remarkable individual.