Samuel de Champlain “Father of New France” Founder of Quebec City, Canada By: Nick Huser

General Information Born in 1567, Samuel de Champlain was a French navigator, cartographer, explorer, geographer and diplomat, among other things, that founded Quebec City. Samuel was born by Marguerite Le Roy (mother), and Antione Champlain (father).

Early Exploration At age 26, alongside Francois Grave Du Pont, Champlain began exploring North America in From 1604 to 1607, Champlain participated in the exploration of the first European settlement in Florida. Later in 1608, he established the French settlement of Quebec City. He was also the first European to explore and describe the Great Lakes.

Founding of Quebec Picture: A portait of the Gift of God (Don-de-Dieu) In 1608, Champlain desired a French settlement on the shores of St. Lawrence. Champlain, along with a fleet of three ships, all with workers, departed from the French port Honfleur. Champlain commanded the main ship, the Gift of God (Don-de-Dieu). His friend Francois Grave Du Pont commanded the Hunt Dog (Lévrier).

Forming of Quebec City On July 3, 1608, Champlain landed at the “point of Quebec” He set about fortifying the area by building three main wooden buildings (called the Habitation). This was originally the entire city. Over time, more buildings were added and it became an “actual” city.

The Rest of His Life Champlain, after erecting this buildings, devoted the rest of his years to gardening, exploring, and fortifying the three main structures. Near 1620, he attempted to leave Quebec to explore other areas or return to France, as Quebec was a large settlement by then. In 1620, Louis XIII ordered Champlain to cease exploration, return the Quebec, and devote the remainder of his days to administrating Quebec.