Samuel de Champlain

Samuel de Champlain was born in 1567 in France. He made maps of much of North America, and he started a settlement in Quebec. He also saw the lake that we now call Lake Champlain. His work was important for the French settlers of that time.

In 1603, Champlain sailed up rivers and explored the Gaspe Peninsula. Later, he decided to look for a passage to Asia. He returned to Canada in 1604 and sailed around for 3 years. He made many maps of the area. Next, he helped make a settlement in Port Royal, Nova Scotia.

In 1608, Champlain brought 32 people to live in Quebec and begin a fur trade. Only 9 people survived through the winter, but more arrived the next summer.

In 1609, Champlain became friends with the Huron Native Americans and helped them fight the Iroquois. Next, he explored the Ottawa River.

Eventually, the English attacked the Quebec settlement and took over in 1629. Champlain returned to France. After an agreement between England and France in 1632, the French were allowed to rule in Quebec again. Champlain became governor. He died in 1635.