French Explorers in Arkansas’ Past Jacques Marquette Louis Joliet Robert Cavelier De La Salle Henri de Tonti Bernard de la Harpe

Jacques Marquette Jacques Marquette was a Catholic missionary. In 1673 he was sent by the governor of New France to find the Northwest Passage. He was joined by Louis Joliet in exploring and mapping the northern portion of the Mississippi River and ended up in present day Arkansas.

Louis Joliet Louis Joliet was a wagon maker and explorer. Although he attended Jesuit schools, he abandoned his studies to join Marquette in 1673 on his expedition on the Mississippi River.

Robert Cavelier De La Salle Robert Cavelier De La Salle was sent by King Louis XIV to travel down the Mississippi River. He was the first European explorer to travel the length of the Mississippi. He build Fort Prudhomme where present day Memphis is located.

Henri de Tonti Henri de Tonti was a French solider and explorer. He joined LaSalle on his exploration down the Mississippi River. Tonti left men at the mouth of the Arkansas River to establish a trading post. This post later became the town of Arkansas Post, Arkansas.

Bernard de la Harpe Jean Baptiste Bernard de La Harpe was a French trader, solider, and explorer. He is given credit for discovering present day Little Rock, Arkansas. La Harpe found two rock formations in this area. The smaller he called La Petite Roche and the larger, La Grande Roche.

The Louisiana Purchase

Journey Begins in Arkansas Arkansas was the starting point for surveyors exploring the frontier of the Louisiana Territory.