Stefano Marchand facts for kids

Stefano Marchand (born July 13, 1755 – died 1793) was a French merchant. He is known for his journal about his travels in the Pacific Ocean between 1790 and 1792. This journal was published in Paris in 1798.

Stefano Marchand was born in Grenada, which was a French colony at the time. He later died in Mauritius, another French colony. When he was young, he traveled on trading ships to places like the Antilles and India.

Early Life and Inspiration

When Stefano Marchand returned from Bengal in 1788, he met a captain named Portlocke in St Helena. Captain Portlocke told him about a very profitable trade: buying animal furs in the American Northwest. This idea interested Marchand greatly.

The Great Journey

In December 1790, a shipping company from Marseille called Casa Baux trusted Stefano Marchand with an important mission. He was to sail on a ship named Solido to the American Northwest. His goal was to trade for animal furs, especially otter pelts.

Across the Pacific

Marchand's journey began on June 12, 1791. He sailed past the Marquesas and then headed northwest. During this part of his trip, he visited several islands. Some of these islands had been explored before by Captain Cook.

Trading in Alaska

After many stops, Marchand finally reached Cape of Edgecombe on August 7. This area is near what is now Kruzof Island, Alaska. He continued north to a place called Tchin Kitanae Bay, also known as Nordfolk Bay (now Sitka Sound). Here, he successfully traded for valuable otter pelts.

He then moved to Nootka Sound and traveled south along the coast. On September 8, he left America and sailed towards the Hawaiian islands.

Return to France

On October 4, Marchand visited Oitaiti (Tahiti). By November 3, he reached Macao. However, there was a problem: Chinese officials had banned the fur trade at that port. This meant Marchand could not sell his furs there.

Because of this, his trip was not a financial success. He then began his journey back to France, stopping in Mauritius. He finally arrived back in Toulouse, France, on August 14, 1792. Even though his journey didn't make money, the leaders of the French Revolution celebrated his travels and explorations.

Marchand's Published Journal

Stefano Marchand's detailed diaries from his journey were later published. The book was titled Viaggio a torno al mundi negli 1790, 1791, e 1792 di Stefano Marchand. This journal provides a valuable record of his adventures and discoveries.