France's Exploration of the Mississippi River Valley:

A Pivotal Chapter in Colonial History In the late 17th century, France embarked on a series of expeditions that would leave an indelible mark on the history of North America.

The exploration of the Mississippi River Valley, a vast and largely uncharted region, became a strategic priority for the French Crown, driven by a desire to expand its colonial foothold and secure valuable trade routes.

At the forefront of these endeavors was the renowned explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who in 1682 became the first European to navigate the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its source to the Gulf of Mexico. - https://francefocusguide.com/blog/when-france-explored-mississippi-river/

Exploring the French Footprint in the Mississippi River Valley: Tracing the Lasting Impacts on Colon