Natchez in Adams County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

The French in North America

Les Français en Amérique du Nord

— Fort Rosalie —

The French in North America Marker image. Click for full size.

July 20, 2019

1. The French in North America Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

France was the first of the three great European powers to recognize and appreciate the strategic importance of Natchez. Operating out of bases in Quebec, French explorers crossed the Great Lakes and followed smaller streams into the broader Mississippi River. In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet descended as far south as the Arkansas River. In 1682, René-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle (above), discovered the point where the Mississippi River emptied into the Gulf of Mexico and laid claim to the entire Mississippi Valley in the name of France.

La Salle became the first Frenchman to encounter the Natchez Indians and declare them an ally. Between 1699 and 1702, the Natchez welcomed the explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, and allowed a French missionary to settle among them.

French:
La France a été la première des trois grandes puissances européennes à reconnaître et à apprécier l'importance stratégique de Natchez. Opérant à partir de bases au Québec, les explorateurs français ont traversé les Grands Lacs et ont suivi de plus petits ruisseaux dans l'ensemble du

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Mississippi. En 1673, les abbés Jacques Marquette et Louis Joliet descendirent aussi loin au sud que la rivière Arkansas. En 1682, René-Robert Cavalier, sieur de La Salle, découvre le point où le fleuve Mississippi se jette dans le golfe du Mexique et revendique toute la vallée du Mississippi au nom de la France.

La Salle devint le premier Français à rencontrer les Indiens Natchez et à les déclarer alliés. Entre 1699 et 1702, les Natchez accueillent l'explorateur, Pierre Le Moyne d'lberville, et permettent à un missionnaire français de s'installer parmi eux.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S.Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration.

Location. 31° 33.328′ N, 91° 24.665′ W. Marker is in Natchez, Mississippi, in Adams County. Marker is on South Canal Street near John R. Junkin Drive (U.S. 84/425), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchez MS 39120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Introduction of Slavery in the Natchez District (here, next to this marker); The European Struggle for Control (here, next to this marker); The Natchez People (here, next to this marker); Natchez (within shouting distance of this marker);

July 20, 2019

2. The French in North America Marker

Bridging the Mississippi (within shouting distance of this marker); Natchez National Historical Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The French Build a Fort and a Colony (about 500 feet away); French Retaliation & the Second Fort Rosalie (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.

More about this marker. Located at the Natchez Visitors Reception Center

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 166 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2019.