Hernando de Soto led an expedition through Florida, several states, and present-day Arkansas from 1539 to 1542. Though his journey covered a vast area over three years, he left no permanent settlements and his legacy was one of destruction, disease, and failure to find gold or a route to Asia. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet embarked on a voyage down the Mississippi River hoping to find gold or trade routes. Their journey inspired Robert de La Salle, who sought to secure the Mississippi Valley for France in the 1680s by claiming the land for King Louis XIV and gaining the allegiance of tribes like the Quapaw.

1. French Explorers

2. Review 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