Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière facts for kids

Meeting of Marie-Anne Gaboury and Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière with First Nations people, around 1807

Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière was an important French-Canadian trapper. He was born on December 25, 1778, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. He passed away on September 7, 1855, in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba. Jean-Baptiste worked in the fur trade for the Hudson's Bay Company. This company was very powerful in a large area called Rupert's Land.

Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière is well-known for a few reasons. He was the grandfather of Métis leader Louis Riel. He was also married to Marie-Anne Gaboury. She was the first woman of European background to travel and live in western Canada.

Who Was Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière?

Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière was a skilled trapper. He spent many years working in the Canadian wilderness. Trappers like him played a huge role in the fur trade. They collected animal furs, which were then sent to Europe. This trade helped shape early Canadian history.

A Pioneer Family

Jean-Baptiste and Marie-Anne Gaboury made history together. They were a brave couple who moved to the wild western parts of Canada. Marie-Anne's journey was especially remarkable. Most European women did not travel so far west at that time. Their adventures helped open up new areas for settlement.

First Settlers at Red River

In 1812, the Lagimodière family became pioneers. They were the very first settlers at the Red River Colony. This area is near where the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is today. Starting a new life in a new place was very challenging. They helped build the first community there.

His Legacy Today

Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière's story is still remembered. He was shown in the 1978 film Marie-Anne. The actor John Juliani played his part. Also, a major road in Winnipeg is named after him. This road is called Lagimodière Boulevard. It is part of Manitoba Highway 59. This shows how important he was to the history of the region.