Hamilton in Butler County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

French Exploration

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

1. French Exploration Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Pierre-Joseph Celron, sieur de Bienville, with 200 to 250 French soldiers and some Indians, was sent in 1749 to renew and strengthen France's claim to the Ohio country and drive out the British. During navigation of the Allegheny, Ohio and Great Miami rivers, he buried lead plates with the text declaring the French land claim. He also sought Indian cooperation in the fur trade.

Erected 2007 by the City of Hamilton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Exploration • Patriots & Patriotism • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.

Location. 39° 24.061′ N, 84° 33.906′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ohio, in Butler County. Marker is on High Street (Ohio Route 129/177) west of Monument Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker and medallion are on the High-Main Street Bridge over the Great Miami River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton OH 45011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Founding of Fort Hamilton (a few steps from this marker); Native American Trail

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(within shouting distance of this marker); 1913 Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Flatboats and Early Trade (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . .
1. "Prelude" in Dayton, Ohio: An Intimate History (Conover, 1932). Dayton History Books online website entry (Submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

2. Pierre-Joseph Celeron de Blainville. Dictionary of Canadian Biography website entry (Submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

3. High Street Bridge over the Great Miami River. Bridgescape LLC website entry (Submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

4. Celeron de Bienville's Expedition. Ohio History Central website entry (Submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

French Exploration Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

2. French Exploration Medallion

French Exploration Marker & Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

3. French Exploration Marker & Medallion

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 742 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.