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By Mark Bushnell
What do we really know about Samuel de Champlain? We learn in school that the Frenchman paddled onto a lake, named it for himself, and took sides in a war between Indian tribes. Why commemorate the 400th anniversary of that?
Because Champlain’s party was the leading edge of Europe’s New World exploration. Champlain helped reshape the continent, for better or worse — better for Europeans, worse for indigenous populations.
The French, primarily searching for treasure and furs, had attempted several settlements. Scurvy, long winters, and conflicts with Native Americans doomed their efforts. Then came Champlain—cartographer to the king and previously an explorer and combat-tested naval commander.
Some historians think Champlain was the illegitimate son of Henry IV, and his adventures were an effort to impress his father. Whatever his motivation, Champlain accomplished all any king could hope for: he founded a colony that endured.
Learning from the failures of Jacques Cartier and other explorers, Champlain vowed to site his colony wisely, to practice firm but merciful leadership, and to have good relations with the Indians. And that’s how he found himself on southern Lake Champlain with Algonquins and Hurons fighting the Iroquois. Champlain knew making the right friends would be good for France’s fur trade.
Of course, all colonies come to an end. A century and a half after its founding, Champlain’s colony fell to the British. But Champlain still had the last word: In his settlement, which grew to become Québec City, the people still speak French.
For more information on Champlain and the Champlain 400 celebration, read our overview of the event or visit www.celebratechamplain.org. |
