The Exploration of Samuel de Champlain

Champlain explored North America for France. He claimed what became Canada for France.

Samuel de Champlain was born into a seafaring family. Champlain is considered the father of "New France". Champlain made his first voyage to the "New France" in 1603. On that expedition, Champlain was a member of the crew on a voyage up the St. Lawrence, led by François Grave Dupont. Champlain had no official position on that trip, but he did survey the river. On his return to France Champlain published an account of the voyage.

In 1604, Champlain returned to New France with Siuer de Monts, who planned to establish a settlement in Acadia. Champlain was given the responsibility of finding a suitable location for a permanent settlement. Champlain explored south along the coast of New England. The leaders of Acadia could not agree on a location of a settlement.

Finally, they agreed and decided to establish the settlement at Quebec. The location was considered excellent, as they could control the fur trade with the interior. Champlain established the settlement in Quebec. He established alliances with local Indian tribes, such as the Huron and the Montagnais. He supported the Hurons in a war against the Iroquois. Champlain was committed to making Quebec the center of a French empire in the New World.

Champlain spent the rest of his life traveling back and forth between France and New France. He worked hard to improve the administration of the territory that France was claiming. Champlain died in December 1635, in Quebec, which at the time of his death was a thriving town

Account of Exploration
Internet Links on Champlain
Map of Voyages