Robert de LaSalle
Facts
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Robert de LaSalle |
Robert de LaSalle was born on November 22, 1643 in France. LaSalle died on March
20, 1687 when two of his men shot him in the head.
When Robert de LaSalle was younger he enjoyed science and nature. His real name was Robert Cavelier (which means knight).
The important accomplishment in Robert de LaSalle’s lifetime was that he claimed the entire valley of the Mississippi for his country France.
First Voyage
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The Griffin |
The Griffin was LaSalle's only ship. LaSalle left port in France on his first voyage in August 1679. LaSalle returned to France around 1680. LaSalle explored the Ohio and Mississippi River and claimed the entire Mississippi valley for France.
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| LaSalle Killed in Texas |
Second voyage
In 1681, LaSalle left port from France in canoes. On LaSalle's second voyage he explored the Mississippi River. LaSalle was shot
on March 20, 1687 by two of his men in Eastern Texas.
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LaSalle's Route |
Route taken:
Robert de LaSalle’s route started from France to the southern end of Lake Ontario. He went across Lake Erie, through the Strait of Detroit, across Lake Saint Clair.
He then went across Lake Huron and reached Green Bay on Lake
Michigan.
Interesting Facts
Robert de LaSalle made friends with the Native Americans. The Griffin, his ship, was never seen again after it was lost. In
1684-87 in the West Indies, LaSalle felt sick and many of his men deserted him.
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LaSalle's old map |