Marie-Therese Guyon Cadillac facts for kids

Marie-Therese Guyon Cadillac (1671–1746) was an important American pioneer. She is often called "The First Lady of Detroit" because of her key role in the early days of the city.

Early Life and Family

Marie-Therese Guyon Cadillac was born in Beauport, Quebec City, in 1671. Her parents were Elizabeth Boucher and Denis Guyon. Her father was a merchant and farmer. Sadly, both of her parents passed away before she turned twenty. It is believed that her two brothers and an uncle helped care for her after that.

When she was about twelve years old, Marie-Therese went to the Ursuline Monastery of Quebec. She stayed there from March 1683 to April 1684. After that, she returned home in 1685.

Marriage to Antoine Cadillac

At the age of seventeen, on June 25, 1687, Marie-Therese married Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. Antoine was a French military leader. He later helped to establish the first settlement that grew into the city of Detroit. The couple lived in Nova Scotia for several years after they were married.

Journey to Detroit

In 1702, Marie-Therese Cadillac made a brave journey. She and a female friend became the first white women to travel to Fort Pontchartrain De Troit. This fort was the beginning of Detroit. Marie-Therese joined her husband, who had arrived there a year earlier.

Life at Fort Detroit

While at the fort, Marie-Therese played a very active role. She helped manage many parts of the settlement. This included signing contracts and hiring explorers. She also served as the colony's doctor. When her husband was away, she took on an even bigger leadership role in the colony.

In 1711, Marie-Therese moved to Mobile. At that time, Mobile was the capital of Louisiana. She moved there after her husband received a promotion. Marie-Therese eventually returned to France, where she lived until her death in 1740.

Building a City

Marie-Therese and her husband earned most of their money from the fur trade. They also made money from renting out land. Marie-Therese used her wealth to help build Le Ville du Détroit. She hoped this new city would become as important as Montreal and New York.

The Cadillacs also started Detroit's first collection of fine arts. These artworks were displayed in the town's church, St. Anne. Marie-Therese and Antoine had thirteen children together.

Legacy and Recognition

Marie-Therese Guyon Cadillac was honored for her contributions. In 1994, she was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.