Overview:
This book delves into the remarkable journey of John Nicolet, a French explorer who embarked on a mission to the Northwest in 1634. Guided by Champlain’s ambition to discover a westward sea route to China, Nicolet’s mission was to establish peaceful relations with the various Indian tribes inhabiting the region, secure fur trade routes, and potentially find the coveted western sea.
Nicolet’s exploration took him through the St. Lawrence River, the Ottawa, and Lake Huron, ultimately leading him to the Sault Sainte Marie rapids, where he became the first European to set foot on the territory now known as the Northwest. He then journeyed through Lake Michigan, up Green Bay, and into the valley of the Menomonee River, where he encountered the Winnebagoes, the primary target of his mission. Nicolet, adorned in a Chinese robe and carrying pistols, impressed the Winnebagoes with his perceived power, leading to the establishment of peaceful relations. However, his search for the westward sea route remained unfulfilled.
Key Findings:
- Nicolet’s journey marked the first European exploration of the Northwest, significantly expanding knowledge of the region.
- He established peaceful relations with various tribes, including the Winnebagoes, laying the foundation for future French trade and influence.
- The book reveals the intricate cultural interactions between French explorers and Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and negotiation.
Learning:
- Navigating the Northwest: The reader gains insight into the challenges of traversing the vast and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
- Indigenous Cultures: The book offers a glimpse into the various Indigenous cultures and languages, including the Algonquin, Huron, and Dakota language families.
- The Quest for the West: The reader learns about the European fascination with finding a western sea route to Asia, a quest that fueled exploration and expansion across North America.
- Early French Colonization: The text provides historical context for the establishment of French settlements in New France, highlighting the challenges and motivations behind this colonial endeavor.
Historical Context:
The text places Nicolet’s journey within the broader context of the early exploration and colonization of New France. This period was marked by both intrigue and tension, as France competed with other European powers for control of North America. The fur trade played a crucial role in French economic interests, while missionary efforts sought to spread Christianity among Indigenous populations.
Facts:
- Algonquins and Dakotas: The Northwest was inhabited by two main Indian families, the Algonquins and Dakotas.
- Algonquin Migration: Algonquins migrated from the east, and their language indicated this origin.
- Dakota Origins: Dakotas arrived from the west, fighting their way as they moved eastward.
- Copper Mines: The existence of copper mines in the Great Lakes region was known to the Indigenous people.
- The Winnebagoes and the “Sea Tribe”: The Winnebagoes were known as “Men of the Sea” because they lived near a large water body.
- Trade with the Sioux: Sioux, who came from the west, traded with the Winnebagoes.
- First European at Sault Sainte Marie: Nicolet was the first European to reach the Sault Sainte Marie Rapids.
- Nicolet’s Clothing: Nicolet wore a Chinese robe, a sign of his desire to be perceived as a powerful figure in the eyes of the Winnebagoes.
- Nicolet’s Pistols: He carried pistols that he fired to intimidate the Winnebagoes, who believed he could control thunder.
- Winnebago Feast: A Winnebago chief hosted a feast for Nicolet, serving more than one hundred and twenty beavers.
- Winnebago Lake: Nicolet traveled up the Fox River to reach Lake Winnebago.
- Mascoutins’ Location: The Mascoutins lived in the valley of the Fox River.
- The Illinois Tribe: The Illinois, a large and powerful nation, lived on prairies.
- The Sioux: Bands of Sioux crossed the Mississippi and lived west of the Winnebagoes.
- The Pottawattamies: They were located on islands and along the western shores of Lake Michigan.
- Champlain’s Death: Champlain, the driving force behind Nicolet’s exploration, died on Christmas Day in 1635.
- Hostile Iroquois: The Iroquois, armed with firearms, threatened French settlements and their Indigenous allies.
- Jesuits and Missions: Jesuits were active in establishing missions among Indigenous populations.
- Nicolet’s Marriage: Nicolet married Marguerite Couillard, a godchild of Champlain.
- Nicolet’s Death: He died in a shipwreck on the St. Lawrence River in 1642.
Statistics:
- 1497: John Cabot discovers Labrador and possibly Newfoundland.
- 1534: James Cartier sets sail from St. Malo to explore Newfoundland.
- 1603: Samuel Champlain makes a preliminary survey of the St. Lawrence River.
- 1608: Champlain establishes a settlement at Quebec.
- 1618: John Nicolet arrives in New France.
- 1634: Nicolet sets out on his expedition to the Northwest.
- 1635: Champlain dies.
- 1640: The population of New France is estimated at around 200.
- 1642: Montreal is founded.
- 1636: Nicolet assists in building a fort at Three Rivers.
- 1636: Three Jesuit priests arrive in New France.
- 1637: Nicolet is present when Indians visit the governor at Quebec.
- 1641: Nicolet helps deal with a threat by Iroquois at Three Rivers.
- 1642: Nicolet dies while traveling to Three Rivers.
- 300 leagues: Distance between the Huron villages and the Winnebagoes as estimated by Du Creux.
- 4,000-5,000: Number of Indians assembled for a peace treaty with Nicolet.
- 120: Number of beavers served at a feast hosted by a Winnebago chief.
Terms:
- Algonquin: A language family that includes numerous Indigenous languages of the Eastern Woodlands, Great Lakes region, and the Plains.
- Dakota: A language family that includes the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota languages of the Plains.
- Huron: A tribe of Indigenous people from the Great Lakes region.
- Iroquois: A powerful confederacy of Indigenous peoples from the Northeast.
- Montagnais: An Algonquin-speaking tribe from the Eastern Woodlands.
- Nipissing: An Algonquin-speaking tribe from the Great Lakes region.
- Ottawa: An Algonquin-speaking tribe from the Great Lakes region.
- Winnebago: A Dakota-speaking tribe from the Great Lakes region.
- Jesuits: Members of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order known for their missionary work.
- Récollets: Members of a Franciscan order that established missions in New France.
- Commissary: An official entrusted with managing supplies and resources for a colony or company.
- Interpreter: A person fluent in multiple languages, acting as a mediator between individuals or groups.
Examples:
- Champlain’s exploration: In 1603, Champlain traveled up the St. Lawrence River, gathering information about the interior of the continent.
- Champlain’s battle with the Iroquois: In 1609, Champlain, with Huron and Algonquin allies, repelled an attack by the Iroquois.
- Nicolet’s journey to the Winnebagoes: Nicolet traveled hundreds of leagues, braving the wilderness and various Indian tribes.
- Nicolet’s interaction with the Winnebagoes: He used a Chinese robe and pistols to impress the Winnebagoes, showcasing his perceived power.
- Winnebago feast for Nicolet: A Winnebago chief hosted a grand feast with 120 beavers.
- Nicolet’s encounter with the Mascoutins: He visited the Mascoutins, a powerful Algonquin tribe, and heard of the Wisconsin River.
- Nicolet’s marriage: He married Marguerite Couillard, a godchild of Champlain, in Quebec.
- Nicolet’s death: Nicolet perished in a shipwreck on the St. Lawrence River while on a mission to rescue a prisoner.
Conclusion:
This book provides a fascinating account of John Nicolet’s journey into the Northwest, a region previously unknown to Europeans. Nicolet’s exploration marked a significant turning point in the history of North America, opening the door to future French trade and colonization. The book highlights his courage, adaptability, and diplomatic skills, and reveals the complex interactions between European explorers and Indigenous peoples. It offers valuable insights into the motivations, challenges, and consequences of early European expansion across the continent.