2. Page 122
Page 129
Hernando de Soto and his men started a journey near
Tampa Bay
Their travels would lead them through several
different states before coming to present day
Arkansas two years later

3. Hernando de Soto’s Legacy
His journey was considered a FAIL
Traveled for 3 years
Left no permanent settlements in Arkansas
They helped spread diseases
He left a legacy of destruction, death, and
disappointment

4. European Explorers, p. 130
130 years after de Soto, Europeans would come back
to Arkansas
At this time
Spanish ruled Mexico, southwest portion of the US,
Florida, and parts of the Gulf coast
The French controlled Canada
The English were creating colonies in Virginia and New
England

5. The French in Arkansas
In 1673, two Frenchmen in Canada planned a voyage
down the Mississippi
Jacques Marquette
 Catholic priest that wanted to convert Indians to the
Christian faith
Louis Joliet
 Fur trapper & trader interested in new ways to trade
Hoped to find gold or a route to the Indies

6. The French in Arkansas
Marquette & Joliet left with…
2 canoes
Five other men
Food
The Illinois Indians gave the Frenchmen a calumet
Long-stemmed pipe made of red stone
This would serve as a “passport” for travel

7. They would have safe travel to Arkansas
They would return to Canada to prepare a map and a
report
Their journey would inspire another Frenchman,
Robert de La Salle

8. La Salle
Goals
Secure the entire Mississippi Valley for France
Challenge the Spanish for control of the mouth of the
river
His lieutenant was Henri de Tonti
La Salle would inform the Indians that he claimed the
entire Mississippi River Valley in the name of King
Louis XIV of France

9. La Salle’s PromisePromised the Quapaw that France would protect them
against their enemies (Osage)
In return the Quapaw allowed him to place the seal of
France on their land
By their standards, the French owned Arkansas and all
of Louisiana

10. La Salle’s PromisePromised the Quapaw that France would protect them
against their enemies (Osage)
In return the Quapaw allowed him to place the seal of
France on their land
By their standards, the French owned Arkansas and all
of Louisiana