17th century · 1574–1635
Samuel de Champlain
Samuel de Champlain · Canada
Founder of Quebec City, 'the Father of New France'
A French explorer, navigator, cartographer and diplomat from a seafaring family. He began exploring North America in 1603 and founded Quebec City on 3 July 1608. Because he was not a nobleman he never received the official title of governor, yet in practice he governed New France until his death in Quebec in 1635. Lake Champlain is named after him.
Where the story happened
Places connected with this person
History · Old Quebec
Champlain and New France
On 3 July 1608 the French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded a settlement on the site of the long-abandoned Iroquoian village of Stadacona, keeping the Algonquin place name 'Québec'. From a seafaring family, he was also a cartographer and diplomat; not being a nobleman, he never received the formal title of governor, yet he effectively governed New France until he died in Quebec on Christmas Day 1635, and is called the 'Father of New France'.
Visit
