In 1673, the partnership of Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, and Louis Jolliet, a coureur de bois, resulted in the first French expedition down the Mississippi River. The legendary voyage opened up a new frontier for Jesuit missionaries, as well as for the fur traders known as the coureurs de bois. Marquette and Jolliet laid the groundwork for further French colonization of the New World, which led to the claiming of the huge territory of Louisiana. Young readers will delight in this remarkable voyage, presented with straightforward text and stunning, full-color images. Topics include
• Marquette’s life as a young Jesuit and his later missionary efforts at Sault Ste. Marie
• Jolliet’s early life in New France and his fur trading aspirations
• interactions with the Folle Avoine, Illinois, Maskouten, Miami, and Kickapoo peoples
• the French fur trade and competition with the English to gain a monopoly
• life in the woods
Teacher’s guide available.
