Louis-Armand de Lom d'Arce de Lahontan, Baron de Lahontan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis-Armand de Lom d'Arce de Lahontan
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| Born | 9 June 1666 |
| Died | Prior to 1716 |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Soldier, explorer, writer |
Louis Armand, Baron de Lahontan (born June 9, 1666 – died before 1716) was a French soldier, explorer, and writer. He served in the French military in Canada and traveled a lot in the areas that are now Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the upper Mississippi River valley. When he returned to Europe, he wrote a very popular travel book. In this book, he described his journey up the "Long River," which many people now believe was the Missouri River. He wrote positively about Native American cultures, showing them as free, smart, and admirable people.
Early Life
Louis-Armand was born into a noble family in France. He became Baron Lahontan when his father passed away in 1674. At just 17 years old, in 1683, he joined the French soldiers who served overseas and was sent to New France (which is now Canada).
After arriving in Quebec in November, he settled in Beaupré. In 1684, he led his group of soldiers from Fort Frontenac in a fight against the Iroquois people, but it was not successful.
Explorer and Adventurer
After experiencing life in the new settlements, Lahontan moved his soldiers to Boucherville between 1685 and 1687. There, he lived with the local people, spending his time hunting and reading classic books.
Just before he planned to return to France, Lahontan was given a new order. Because he knew the Algonquin language, he was asked to lead a group of French and Native American soldiers. Their mission was to go towards Fort St. Joseph to launch another attack on the Iroquois.
Lahontan was a restless commander and spent much of his time exploring the area. In 1688, after hearing that the fort at Niagara had been left empty and that the Iroquois were attacking again, he burned his own fort. He then led his men to Michillimackinac, a fort and trading post, to find supplies and possibly some fun for his soldiers. Lahontan felt that without supplies from Niagara, his own dwindling stores would not last the winter.
During the winter and spring months, he explored the upper Mississippi valley. He claimed to have traveled up the "Rivière Longue" (Long River). Some historians think this story might be made up, while others believe he really did discover the Missouri River.
King William's War
During King William's War, which was a conflict between France and England, Lahontan suggested several ideas for defending New France. In 1692, he proposed building a fleet of boats for the Great Lakes to protect against the Iroquois. He also suggested a line of forts along the western border for defense. He made these proposals on behalf of Governor Frontenac.
In 1690, Lahontan also successfully led a fight against five English warships from Phipp's invasion fleet in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Even though his idea for a Great Lakes fleet was too expensive and was not approved, Lahontan was given a higher rank by the King.
In 1692, he helped defend Placentia, the capital of Newfoundland, from an attack. However, on December 13, 1692, after a disagreement with the governor of Placentia, Lahontan decided to leave his job and New France completely.
He left without permission and sailed to Viana, Portugal. Because he had left his post, he lost his family inheritance and could not return to France. He eventually arrived in Amsterdam in April. For some time, he lived in Saragossa, Spain, where he wrote down his memories for the English government. He explained how and why they should try to take French-controlled Canada.
Author and Writer
When he returned to Amsterdam in 1703, Lahontan published his three most famous books: Nouveaux Voyages dans l’Amerique Septentrionale, Memoires de l’Amerique Septentrionale, and Supplement aux Voyages ou Dialogues avec le sauvage Adario.
- Nouveaux Voyages dans l’Amerique Septentrionale gives a detailed account of Lahontan's life and time in New France.
- Memoires de l’Amerique Septentrionale describes his observations about the land, how things were organized, trade, and information about Native American tribes.
- Supplement aux Voyages ou Dialogues avec le sauvage Adario is a book where Lahontan talks with a Huron Chief named Adario. In this book, he compares the unfairness he saw in some parts of European society with the freedom and fairness he found among Native American people.
In Spanish: Louis-Armand de Lom d'Arce para niños
See also
In Spanish: Louis-Armand de Lom d'Arce para niños
