La Salle County facts for kids
La Salle County is a name used for different places in the United States. These places are all named after a famous French explorer named René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. He was an important person in exploring North America.
There are three main places with this name:
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Who was René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle?
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was a French explorer. He was born in 1643 in France. He is famous for exploring the Great Lakes region of North America. He also traveled down the Mississippi River.
La Salle claimed the entire Mississippi River basin for France in 1682. He named this huge area "Louisiana" after King Louis XIV of France. This was a very important event in history.
Why are places named after him?
Many places in the United States are named after important historical figures. Naming counties and parishes after La Salle honors his explorations. It also remembers his role in the history of North America. These names help us remember the past.
What is a County or Parish?
In the United States, a county is a part of a state. It is a local government area. Think of it like a smaller division within a state. Most states use the term "county."
However, in Louisiana, these areas are called parishes instead of counties. This is because of Louisiana's unique history. It was once a French and Spanish colony. The term "parish" comes from the church divisions used during those times.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de La Salle para niños
