Did Champlain See the Mississippi River?
Samuel de Champlain (1567 – 1635) was a French navigator, cartographer, diplomat and explorer who is commonly credited with establishing the first permanent European settlement in Canada, as well as the first observations of the coastline of the United States. Champlain was an accomplished explorer, having traveled to many places in North America, and exploring across portions of Canada and the United States.
Given Champlain’s keen sense of exploration and his accomplishments in founding the first permanent European settlement in North America, many wonder if Champlain ever saw the Mississippi River. Did he make it as far south as the entrance to the Mississippi River? Did he ever see the river first-hand?
The answer is not clear; it is difficult to assume one way or the other. As a renowned explorer, it is possible that won way or another he saw the Mississippi River, that he knew of its existence, or even that he made it as far as the point of entry into the river. Champlain’s map-making abilities and his work recording the geography of North America was so thorough and so accurate, it is reasonable to assume that he mapped or observed the Mississippi River, even if he did not ‘see’ it.
In fact, Champlain’s work mapping North America was the foundation for future mapmakers and explorers. His detailed maps and recorded observations of inland rivers and lakes, as well as ocean coastlines, formed the basis of accurate European maps of the area.
Historical accounts, however, do not provide very much detail on whether or not he actually saw the Mississippi River. Champlain himself did not record any visits to the Mississippi or account for its existence. Some researchers believe that he knew of the river and its existence but did not visit it or travel to the entrance of the Mississippi River. Other researchers believe that he did travel to the mouth of the river, or that he traveled further inland, but without conclusive evidence this is difficult to assume.
In the absence of direct evidence from Champlain himself, some have tried to piece together what would have been necessary for Champlain to have reached the Mississippi. While Champlain traveled extensively in the Atlantic Ocean Coastline, expert opinions vary on the likelihood of him venturing as far south as the Mississippi. Even if he did venture south, it does not support the notion that he actually saw the river, only that he could have potentially seen it had he gone further inland.
Records on Champlain’s travels
Champlain lived in an era that did not have precise records detailing exact routes and travel directions. We do however, have some information available on his travels. Champlain kept a journal of sorts throughout his travels and also documented and illustrated his discoveries. This journal, referred to as ‘les voyages de la Nouvelle France’ (The Journeys in New France) provided a wealth of information including coordinates, locations and geographical descriptions.
The journal is an ongoing project of two French historians. In the book, the historians, Danièle and Jean-Luc Pilon, compiled and cross-referenced all of Champlain’s journals and maps to provide a comprehensive understanding of where he traveled and when.
According to the Pilon book, Champlain did not account for a visit to the mouth of the Mississippi River. The book indicates that his travels did not reach that point, although there is speculation that he might have ventured further south and not documented those journeies. Therefore, it is impossible to say with certainty if Champlain did in-fact see the Mississippi River.
Accuracies in Champlain’s maps
As mentioned earlier, Champlain’s maps made after his travels are quite accurate, showing a varied and detailed understanding of the land. He also was one of the first Europeans to map the Atlantic coast and journey as far south as what is now considered the Chesapeake Bay. This indicates that he had knowledge of the waterways and considerable sailing experience.
Moreover, Champlain’s maps of the St. Lawrence River, although not metioning the Mississippi River at all, shows the major bend in the river which historically marked the point of entry of the Mississippi River. This could be an anomaly on the part of the mapmaker, who might not have had the ability to see this point due to his location, or it could be an indication of Champlain’s knowledge of the river.
Champlain’s maps and written documents do not provide a clear answer either way. The prevailing opinion is that his travels did not take him to the mouth of the Mississippi River, but that he could have potentially seen it had he traveled further south. However, it is impossible to say for sure.
Outlook of modern historians
Modern historians have presented a variety of opinions on the topic of Champlain and the Mississippi River. While some speculate that he did in fact know of its existence, there is no concrete evidence that indicates that he either saw the river in person or made it far enough south to see it. Because of the lack of concrete evidence, many state that it is impossible to say for certain whether or not Champlain saw the Mississippi River.
Some historians do believe that Champlain did travel as far south as the entrance to the Mississippi River or further inland, based on the accuracy of his maps and his noted experience in navigating the Atlantic coast. However, without any confirmation from Champlain himself, the origin and extent of his travels remain unclear.
Popularity of Champlain in Canada
Champlain is cherished for not only his contributions to North American geography and exploration, but also for his founding of the first European settlement in Canada. As a result, he is often remembered and honored in Canada. His legacy is included in the Canadian heritage and his life is included in the history books.
Champlain’s presence is felt throughout Canada with several monuments, statues and landmarks that were built in his honor. For example, the Champlain monument located in the Canadian National Park is a popular tourist site commemorating Champlain’s life and achievements. Additionally, there is Champlain avenue in the Canadian province of Quebec. This famous street has a historical value and is a popular tourist spot.
In addition to his physical presence in Canada, Champlain is also remembered for his exploration of North America and his founding of the first permanent settlement in Canada. As such, his name has become synomous with Canadian exploration, and it is commonly accepted that he was one of the first explorers to travel through the region.
Assumptions on Champlain not seeing the Mississippi River
Since Champlain did not document or account for any visits to the Mississippi or its existence, there are assumptions circulating that he did not make it as far south as the entrance to the Mississippi River or, if he did, that he might not have seen the river first-hand. This opinion is backed up by the lack of evidence available, as well as the accuracy of his map-making abilities. On the other hand, some experts believe that he did travel as far south as or further inland than the Mississippi River entrance, but without any direct evidence it is impossible to conclude.
Other hypotheses include the idea that Champlain was aware of the river’s existence, and that his travels, though not necessarily taking him to the entrance of the Mississippi, did take him through parts of the Eastern United States. This means that he was at least aware of the river from a geographical sense, though he may never have seen it himself. Though this is just speculation, and is not supported by any evidence, it does show the depth of expertise that Champlain had in exploring the North American region.
Questions on Champlain’s ability to see the Mississippi River
Champlain was a daring explorer and navigator, and his legacy in Canada is still felt today. It is impossible to know with any certainty whether or not he made it as far south as the Mississippi River entrance or observed the Mississippi River first-hand, but it is certain that his contributions to the area and his map-making abilities were unmatched. His work and observations provided the groundwork for future European explorers and mapmakers, as well as the foundation of modern-day Canada.
In spite of all of this, the question of whether or not Champlain saw the Mississippi River remains unanswered. There is no definitive evidence that he ever saw the river, but the accuracy of his maps, his observant nature and his exploration of the Atlantic coastline leaves open the possibility that he at least knew of its existence and perhaps even ventured as far south as the entrance of the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is impossible to say with certainty whether or not Samuel de Champlain ever saw the Mississippi River. His exploration and mapping of North America indicated he was aware of the river’s existence, but there is no definitive evidence that he ever made it as far south as the point of entrance or ever saw the river first-hand. It is likely that Champlain was aware of the river’s existence, but it is impossible to prove that he saw it himself.
