Samuel de Champlain

Samuel de Champlain was born in Brouage, France around the year 1567. He became one of the most important explorers in North American and French history and mapped much of Canada and the northeastern United States.

Starting a Career in Exploration

In 1603, Champlain sailed to North America on Francois Grave Du Pont's expedition. The pair and their crew sailed west through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and into the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. They also explored the misty Gaspe' Peninsula of Quebec. After returning to France, Champlain decided to sail back to Quebec in the hopes of discovering the Northwest Passage, a mythical waterway that would serve as a shortcut from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Making History for France!

Champlain returned to Quebec in 1604 on Pierre de Mont's expedition. For the next three years, Champlain explored much of the coast of Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy and the coasts of Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Champlain started his first colony in the New World on Port Royal, Nova Scotia in 1605. In 1608, Champlain started the first permanent French colony in the New World at Quebec (City) on the St. Lawrence River. The colony was started as a fur-trading center. Unfortunately for the French settlers, they were not used to the bitter Canadian winter. Of the 32 settlers in the colony, only nine survived the winter. More colonists would be sent from France to reinforce the colony.

 

Exploring the Great Lakes Region

In 1609, Champlain helped the Huron Indians fight the Iroquois, which ultimately led to much bitterness between the French and Iroquois. In 1615, Champlain explored much of upstate New York and parts of Ontario and eastern Michigan. Champlain spent the rest of his life managing the settlements at Quebec. He died in 1635, apparently of a stroke.

Discussion Questions

  • What were Samuel de Champlain’s main accomplishments in North America?
  • Why did both Cartier and Champlain believe in the Northwest Passage, and what was its importance?
  • How did indigenous peoples help—or challenge—French explorers?
  • In what ways did Cartier and Champlain shape the future of French colonization?

    • Samuel de Champlain

    Samuel de Champlain was born around 1567 in Brouage, France. He became one of the most important French explorers and mapped much of Canada and the northeastern U.S.

    Starting a Career in Exploration

    In 1603, Champlain sailed with Francois Grave Du Pont to North America. They explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and nearby rivers. Champlain later returned, hoping to find a water route to Asia called the Northwest Passage.

    Making History for France

    In 1604, Champlain joined Pierre de Mont’s expedition and explored the coast of Nova Scotia and parts of New England. In 1605, he helped start a colony at Port Royal, and in 1608, he founded Quebec City, the first permanent French colony in North America. Harsh winters killed most settlers, but France sent more people later.

    Exploring the Great Lakes Region

    Champlain allied with the Huron people and fought against the Iroquois, which caused future tension. In 1615, he explored areas in New York, Ontario, and Michigan. He spent the rest of his life leading the Quebec colony and died in 1635.

    Jacques Cartier

    Jacques Cartier was born in 1491 in Saint-Malo, France. He began exploring with Verrazzano in 1524, which prepared him for future journeys.

    "I Know I Found Asia!"

    In 1534, King Francis I sent Cartier to find a sea route to Asia. He explored Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence and claimed land for France. Cartier thought he had found part of Asia and brought two native youths back to France.

    The Search for the Northwest Passage

    In 1535, Cartier returned with a larger crew and sailed to modern-day Montreal. He thought nearby rapids were the last barrier to Asia. The rapids were later named "Lachine," which means "China" in French.

    Surviving the Winter and Cities of Gold

    Cartier's crew survived a harsh winter thanks to a native cure for scurvy. A captured chief told Cartier about a rich kingdom called Saguenay. Cartier returned to France to report his findings.

    Paving the Way for New France

    In 1540, Cartier returned with five ships and tried to start a colony. Illness and conflict led to its failure, and by 1543, the settlers left. Cartier died in 1557, but his explorations helped France claim land in Canada.
    Samuel de Champlain Activities