Franquelin River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franquelin River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| MRC | Manicouagan Regional County Municipality |
| Unorganized territory and municipality | Rivière-aux-Outardes, Franquelin |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Franquelin Lake Rivière-aux-Outardes 395 m (1,296 ft) 49°31′21″N 68°05′25″W / 49.52250°N 68.09028°W |
| River mouth | Rivière aux Anglais Franquelin 2 m (6.6 ft) 49°17′26″N 67°53′41″W / 49.29056°N 67.89472°W |
| Length | 67.5 km (41.9 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Franquelin River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows through the Manicouagan Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region. The river is important for the local area, especially for forestry and outdoor activities.
A main road, Quebec Route 138, runs near the river's mouth. Other smaller forest roads help people get around the valley. The river usually freezes over from early November to late April. However, it's generally safe to walk on the ice from late November to early April.
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Where is the Franquelin River Located?
The Franquelin River is found in the Rivière-aux-Outardes area and the town of Franquelin. Its basin is located between the Godbout River to the east and the Mistassini River to the west.
The River's Journey from Source to Mouth
The Franquelin River starts at Franquelin Lake. This lake is its main source. From there, the river flows south for about 67.5 kilometers (42 miles). It drops about 393 meters (1,289 feet) in elevation along its journey.
The river passes through the Franquelin area and the village of Franquelin. It then flows into the Saint Lawrence River on the west side of the village. The name "Franquelin" has been used for this area since 1972.
What are the Franquelin River's Tributaries?
Many smaller streams and rivers flow into the Franquelin River. These are called tributaries.
- On the west side (going upstream from the mouth), you'll find: Beaudin Creek, Bouchard Creek, the Franquelin West Branch River, and Savard Creek.
- On the east side (going upstream from the mouth), you'll find: Tessier Creek, Thompson River, Happy Creek, Big-Fall Creek, and Chamberland Creek (which comes from Chamberland Lake).
Protecting Salmon in the Franquelin River
A large part of the Franquelin River, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from its mouth, is a special protected area. This area helps to keep salmon safe. It ensures they have a good place to live and reproduce.
Why is it Called the Franquelin River?
The name "Franquelin" is used for the lake, river, and town in this area. All these names come from the same person: Jean-Baptiste-Louis Franquelin.
Who was Jean-Baptiste-Louis Franquelin?
Jean-Baptiste-Louis Franquelin was born in France in 1650. He came to New France (which is now Canada) in 1671. At first, he was involved in the fur trade. Later, he became a mapmaker.
In 1674, he started making maps for Louis de Buade de Frontenac, who was the governor of New France. Franquelin was very skilled. In 1683, he drew maps of the upper and lower parts of Quebec City.
He also taught navigation in Quebec City. He was known as the royal hydrographer, meaning he made maps of water bodies. From 1689 to 1691, he worked as an engineer. He even drew plans for the royal battery in Quebec.
Franquelin's Famous Maps
Franquelin made about 50 maps. Some of his most famous maps include:
- Maps showing the discoveries of Jolliet on the Mississippi River in 1673.
- Maps describing Louisiana, based on the explorations of René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle.
Franquelin returned to France in 1694. He continued his work there until he passed away after 1712.
The name "Franquelin River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is in charge of place names in Quebec.
