Samuel de Champlain

Birth/ Early Years

Samuel de Champlain was born in 1567. Not much is known about his early years, except that he acquired his knowledge of the seas and navigational skills from both his uncle and father.

Voyages

He began his journeys in 1603. Financed by King Louis XIII, he was sent to Canada in order to establish a colony and establish a fur trade.

He embarked on his journey across the Atlantic Ocean from France. He took his crew halfway up the St. Lawrence River, where he met the Algonquin Indians. They persuaded them not to go further. Champlain stayed and traded with the Indians for furs.

Champlain set out for New France again in 1604. This was to be the mission in which he founded Quebec.

Life in New France

They spent the next three winters in Acadia. During the first winter, half the men were killed by the harsh conditions of Canada. The next two years were less hazardous to the population of New France.

The colony flourished until 1611, when the fur trade hit a wall. Champlain set out to find more sources of fur. He was involved in a war between the Algonquin / Huron Indians against the Iroquois. He was wounded in battle, and carried off the field by an Algonquin warrior.

Samuel de Champlain was forced to stay in Quebec. He died in 1635.

Results

Samuel de Champlain, father of Canada, was an explorer few compare to. He was a courageous man, and this report only scratches the surface of his life.

Bibliography

Champlain, Samuel de
http://www.blupete.com/Hist/BiosNS/1600-00/Champlain.htm
Peter Landry
November, 1999

Champlain, Samuel de, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article Titled "Champlain, Samuel de"
http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti=05AE3000
Encarta
1993-2000

The Virtual Museum of New- France
http://www.mvnf.civilisations.ca/explorexplcd_e.html
Museum of New France
9/29/00

Explorer Fact Sheet -- Samuel de Champlain. M. McCright. 2000

Date Created: September 29, 2000
Created By: Matt C and Michelle M
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