Events with tag - Louisiana Territory

April 1, 1699

First European Settlement on Mississippi River

In 1699, Fort de la Boulaye became the first permanent European settlement along the Mississippi River, following Robert de La Salle's historic 1682 expedition that claimed the territory for France. This establishment marked a crucial turning point in North American colonial history.

January 1, 1702

Establishment of Fort Louis de la Louisiane

French explorers established Fort Louis de la Louisiane in present-day Mobile, Alabama, marking the first permanent French settlement in Louisiana. The fort served as the capital of French Louisiana and secured France's presence in the Mississippi River Valley.

September 6, 1717

Mississippi Company

A French colonial trading company founded by John Law in 1717, granted exclusive trading rights in Louisiana Territory by King Louis XV. It experienced rapid growth before collapsing in 1720 during the Mississippi Bubble crisis.

May 7, 1718

Founding of New Orleans

New Orleans was established as a strategic French colonial port city on the Mississippi River, marking a pivotal moment in North American colonial history. The settlement quickly developed into a vital trading hub and cultural melting pot.

May 7, 1718

Founding of New Orleans

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville established New Orleans as the capital of French Louisiana, strategically positioning it along the Mississippi River with an initial settlement of 50 men. The city was named after Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, who served as Regent of France.

May 14, 1804

Lewis and Clark Expedition Launches

The Lewis and Clark Expedition embarked on their historic journey from Camp Dubois near St. Louis, Missouri, launching a three-year exploration of the American West that would revolutionize the mapping and understanding of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.