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1500s

1500s

Around 1500

  • European fishers, whalers and traders explore what is now North America and harvest its natural resources, but do not establish permanent presence.

1534-42

  • Jacques Cartier makes three journeys to St. Lawrence River.

1562

  • Jean Ribault builds unsuccessful settlement at St. Johns River in Florida.

c. 1570

  • Samuel de Champlain is born at Brouage, France.

1570-94

  • Champlain embarks on numerous voyages with his father, a sea pilot and captain.

1594-98

  • Serves as quartermaster in army of King Henri IV during religious wars in France.

1598

  • Peace treaty signed by French and Spanish leaders at Vervins, France.
  • Champlain sails to Spain aboard the Saint-Julien.
  • Troilus du Mesgoùez, Marquis de la Roche-Helgmarche, establishes colony on Sable Island, which meets disastrous end.

1599

  • Pierre de Chauvin establishes colony in St. Lawrence Valley with 10-year monopoly of fur trade. The colony fails; two young Montagnais (Innu) men accompany de Chauvin back to France.

1599-1601

  • Champlain is believed to have travelled throughout West Indies and Mexico.