Pierre Laclède facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pierre Laclède
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| Born | 22 November 1729 |
| Died | 20 June 1778 (aged 48) Near the mouth of the Arkansas River
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Pierre Laclède Liguest (born November 22, 1729 – died June 20, 1778) was a French fur trader. He is famous for founding the city of St. Louis in 1764. He did this with his young assistant, Auguste Chouteau. St. Louis was then part of Spanish Upper Louisiana, in what is now Missouri, USA.
Pierre Laclède's Early Life
Pierre Laclède was born on November 22, 1729, in Bedous, Béarn, France. His family was well-known for being scholars and holding important positions. His father and uncle were educated men who loved knowledge. This desire for learning seemed to be a part of Pierre's family.
In 1755, when he was 26, Laclède arrived in New Orleans. Some historians think he traveled for fun. Others believe he wanted to find his fortune in the new lands, like many other younger sons of families. It is said that Laclède chose to explore the new world instead of joining the church or army.
Over the next few years, he became a very successful trader. He was different from others because he was open to new ways of life. Historians often mention his energy, knowledge, and good judgment. These qualities helped him succeed as a merchant. During this time, Laclède also built relationships with officials and Native American tribes. These talks helped him learn about opportunities further north. This inspired his future journey and the founding of St. Louis.
Family and Life in St. Louis
When Pierre Laclède first arrived in New Orleans, people described him as handsome. He was said to have olive skin and dark eyes, and he was tall and slender. He moved with grace and always seemed to be in charge.
In New Orleans, Laclède met Marie-Therese Bourgeois Chouteau. They had a close relationship and four children together: Jean Pierre (born 1758), Marie Pélagie (born 1760), Marie Louise (born 1762), and Victoire (born 1764). At the time, Madame Chouteau was married to another man, René Auguste Chouteau. René later left New Orleans and went back to France.
This situation caused some challenges for Pierre and Marie-Therese. Since divorce was not allowed back then, Madame Chouteau remained married to René. This led to some talk and gossip. Historians believe this might have encouraged Pierre to travel upstream to find a new trading post.
After founding St. Louis, Laclède wrote to Madame Chouteau. He asked her to come to the new settlement. Later that year, she traveled with all their children to meet him. Laclède built a house for them and left it to them in his will. Madame Chouteau was well-liked in the new settlement. She was kind and smart, understanding yet determined. Within a few years, people began to call her the "Queen" of St. Louis.
René, Madame Chouteau's husband, later returned to New Orleans. He wanted his wife to come back to him, which was his legal right. Government officials tried to slow down this process. However, before anything could happen, René Chouteau passed away.
Founding of St. Louis
In 1763, a merchant from New Orleans named Gilbert Antoine de Saint-Maxent supported Laclède. He wanted Laclède to build a trading post near where the Mississippi River and Missouri River meet. Maxent had special agreements from D'Abbadie, a French official. These agreements gave Laclède a six-year monopoly on trading with Native Americans in the area. This meant only he could trade there.
Laclède quickly prepared for the journey because winter was coming. In August, he and a small crew began their trip. This group included René Auguste Chouteau. Jr., Madame Chouteau's son. Many Europeans had already traveled up the Mississippi River, so the trip was not very exciting. They reached the meeting point of the rivers in December.
The area where the rivers met was too marshy, or swampy, to build a town. So, they chose a spot about 18 miles (29 km) downriver. It is said that the city of St. Louis was founded on Valentine's Day in 1764.
Today, the downtown riverfront area of St. Louis is called Laclede's Landing in his honor. He also has a county and a town in Missouri named after him: Laclede County, Missouri and Laclede, Missouri. The Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and an elementary school in St. Louis are also named for him. There is even an office tower in Clayton, Missouri, called Pierre Laclede. He is also recognized with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
See also
In Spanish: Pierre Laclède para niños
