Louis Jolliet

Louis Jolliet, also known Louis Joliet (September 21, 1645–May 1700), was a Canadian explorer born in Quebec who is important for his discoveries in North America. Joliet and missionary Jacques Marquette were the first white men to map the Mississippi River.

Early years

The son of a wagon-maker, Louis Joliet was born at Quebec, Canada, on September 21, 1645. He gave great promise of scholarship, especially in mathematics, in the Jesuits' school at Quebec, and received minor orders in 1663. But caught with the adventurous spirit of the times, he abandoned his studies in 1667 and became a rover in the Canadian wilderness and a trader with the Indians. A fleeting glimpse is caught of Joliet searching for a copper mine on the borders of Lake Superior, in 1669; and again in 1671, he is seen standing by the side of Saint-Lusson as he plants the arms of France at Sault Sainte Marie.

Related Topics:
Quebec, Canada - September 21 - 1645 - Jesuits - 1663 - 1667 - Indians - Lake Superior - 1669 - 1671 - France - Sault Sainte Marie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~