Louis Jolliet

Early Life

Louis Jolliet was born on September 21, 1645, in a French settlement known as Quebec, in what is now Canada. He was the eldest son of a wagon-maker, Jean Jolliet, and his wife, Marie d'Abancourt. Jolliet's early years were marked by the rugged wilderness of New France and the burgeoning fur trade industry.

An aerial view of Quebec City with its historic buildings and surrounding wilderness.

Education

Jolliet was educated at the Jesuit seminary in Quebec, where he studied philosophy, theology, and music. However, he decided not to take holy orders and left the seminary in 1667 to pursue a career as a fur trader. His education, however, had a profound impact on his life, providing him with a solid foundation in navigation, cartography, and languages, which would prove invaluable in his later explorations.

Career as a Fur Trader

Jolliet embarked on his career as a fur trader in the vast wilderness of New France. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill in negotiating with the native tribes and his knowledge of the wilderness. His success in the fur trade allowed him to finance his own expeditions and further his interest in exploration.

A fur trader negotiating with native tribes in the wilderness.

Exploration of the Mississippi River

In 1672, Jolliet was commissioned by the governor of New France, Frontenac, to explore the Mississippi River. Accompanied by the Jesuit missionary Marquette, Jolliet set out on a journey that would take him through the heart of North America. The expedition confirmed that the Mississippi flowed into the Gulf of Mexico and not into the Pacific Ocean as previously thought.

The Mississippi River winding through a lush landscape.

Later Life and Death

After his exploration of the Mississippi, Jolliet continued his career as a fur trader and explorer. He mapped the northern coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Labrador coast. He also served as a hydrographer for the king of France. Jolliet died in 1700, leaving behind a legacy of exploration and discovery.

Legacy

Louis Jolliet's explorations significantly contributed to the understanding of North America's geography. His journey down the Mississippi River opened up new territories for trade and settlement. Today, Jolliet is remembered as one of the great explorers of the New World.