Alphonse de Tonty facts for kids

Pierre Alphonse de Tonty (born around 1659, died 1727) was a French officer. He worked with the famous explorer Cadillac. Together, they helped start the first European settlement in Detroit, Michigan. This settlement was called Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit. It was built on the Detroit River in 1701. A few months later, Tonty and Cadillac brought their wives to the fort. This made their wives the first European women to travel so far into this new land.

Early Life and Family

Pierre Alphonse de Tonty was born in Paris, France, around 1659. His father was Lorenzo de Tonti. Lorenzo was a financier, which means he dealt with money. He also invented a type of life insurance called the tontine. Pierre Alphonse had an older brother named Henri de Tonti. Henri was also an explorer. He helped LaSalle explore the Mississippi River. Henri also helped create the first settlement in Arkansas.

Leading Fort Pontchartrain

By 1717, Tonty was in charge of Fort Pontchartrain in Detroit. He served as its commandant, which is like a military leader. However, by 1727, many people had made complaints about him. These complaints came from various groups, including the Huron people. Because of these complaints, Tonty was removed from his position.

Personal Life

Tonty was married two times. His first marriage was in 1689 to Marie Anne Picoté de Belestre. Together, they had 13 children. He passed away before he could get another job or go back to France.

See also

• Jacques Baudry de Lamarche