Jean Baptiste de La Vérendrye facts for kids
Jean-Baptiste Gaultier de la Vérendrye (born September 3, 1713 – died June 6, 1736) was an important explorer in early Canada. He was the oldest son of Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, a famous French-Canadian explorer. Jean-Baptiste was born on Île Dupas, near Sorel in New France.
Exploring the West
In 1731, Jean-Baptiste joined his father and three brothers on a big trip west. Their goal was to explore new lands and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. This journey was very long and difficult.
Facing Challenges
When they reached Fort Kaministiquia, some of their hired workers, called engagés, were very tired. The canoe trip from Montreal was long, and there were many tough portages (carrying canoes and supplies over land). These workers refused to go on.
Building New Forts
Jean-Baptiste and his father's second-in-command, Christopher Dufrost de La Jemeraye, led a smaller group forward. They traveled west to Rainy Lake. There, they built a fort and named it Fort St. Pierre. They named it after the church where Jean-Baptiste was baptized.
The next year, Jean-Baptiste helped build another important fort. This was Fort St. Charles on Lake of the Woods. In 1734, he also set up Fort Maurepas on the Red River. These forts were key trading posts and helped expand French influence.
A Tragic End
On June 6, 1736, Jean-Baptiste and his group left Fort St. Charles. They were going to Fort Kaministiquia to get supplies. Sadly, Sioux people attacked them.
Jean-Baptiste, a priest named Father Jean-Pierre Aulneau, and 19 other men were killed in the attack. Their bodies were later brought back to Fort Saint-Charles. They were buried in the fort's chapel.
Lasting Legacy
Jean-Baptiste de La Vérendrye played a big part in building Fort Maurepas. Because of this, he is seen as one of the people who helped found the area that is now the province of Manitoba in Canada. His work helped open up the Canadian West.
