European Exploration:  14th Century to 17th Century

French Explorers

 
  •  Rene-Robert de La Salle: First European to sail down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.
  •  Louis Jolliet: First European to travel from the Great Lakes down the Mississippi River.

 

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Jaques Cartier
  •  Jaques Cartier: He is known for discovering the St. Lawrence River and sailing up it to present-day Montreal.