Samuel de Champlain Champlain is recognized as the “Father of New France”. He helped to set up trading companies which sent furs to France. He oversaw the colony’s growth along the St. Lawrence River. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New France in 1633.

Samuel de Champlain Champlain was well educated in mathematics, astronomy, drawing, writing, navigation and map-making. In 1598, he sailed from Spain to the West Indies. His job was to take notes and also create an illustrated report of his findings.

Samuel de Champlain A few years later, Champlain accompanied his uncle François Gravé Du Pont on his expedition to the New World in 1603. They explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal.

Samuel de Champlain The next year, Champlain headed back to the New World exploring from Nova Scotia to present-day Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island . He started the first permanent French colony in the New World, Quebec City, in 1608, However, the settlers were not used to the cold. Of the 32 original settlers, only nine survived the winter.

Samuel de Champlain In 1609, Champlain helped the Huron people in a fight against the Iroquois. It soured relations between the French and Iroquois for 150 years! Champlain was the first European to explore and map the Great Lakes. He also wrote about his experiences with the Native Americans.

Samuel de Champlain Champlain is recognized as the “Father of New France”. He helped to set up trading companies which sent furs to France. He oversaw the colony’s growth along the St. Lawrence River. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New France in 1633.