Antoine Auguelle facts for kids

Antoine Auguelle Picard du Gay was a brave French explorer from the 1600s. He is also known as Anthony Auguel. He came from a place in France called Amiens in Picardy. Antoine explored parts of North America, especially the Upper Mississippi River.

Antoine Auguelle Picard du Gay: A French Explorer

Journey with Hennepin and Aco

Antoine Auguelle Picard du Gay joined two other explorers. These were Father Louis Hennepin and Michel Aco. Together, they set out to explore the Upper Mississippi River. This was a big and important river in North America. Their journey began on February 29, 1680. They started from Fort Crevecoeur. This fort is in what we now call Illinois.

Captured by the Santee Sioux

The three explorers faced a challenge during their trip. On April 12, 1680, they were captured. A group of Santee Sioux people took them. This happened near Mille Lacs Lake in today's Minnesota.

Discovering New Lands

While they were with the Santee Sioux, the explorers saw many new places. They were taken to several important landmarks in Minnesota. These included Saint Anthony Falls and Lake Pepin. They also visited a place called Kaposia. By seeing these places, they became the first Europeans to do so.

Freedom and Return

The explorers were held captive for several months. They were finally released at the end of September 1680. Another explorer helped them gain their freedom. His name was Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut. He insisted on their release.