René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, departed from Fort St. Louis primarily to embark on a crucial journey to reach the Mississippi River and then continue northward to Canada, with the vital aim of re-establishing contact with French authorities. This expedition was a desperate effort to secure assistance and supplies for the struggling colony.
The Urgent Expedition of 1687
By 1687, the situation at Fort St. Louis in present-day Texas was becoming increasingly dire. La Salle recognized the urgent need for external aid to ensure the survival of his French colonial venture. His decision to leave the fort was driven by several critical objectives:
- Reach the Mississippi River: La Salle's initial expedition had famously navigated the Mississippi River, claiming the vast Louisiana territory for France. His intent in departing Fort St. Louis was to re-locate this crucial waterway, which served as a direct route to the interior of North America and eventually towards French territories.
- Journey to Canada: Once on the Mississippi, La Salle planned to travel north towards Canada. This vast distance underscored the desperation of his mission.
- Contact French Authorities: The ultimate goal was to make contact with French authorities in Canada. He sought to inform them of his colony's location and dire circumstances, hoping to secure reinforcements, provisions, and further instructions to sustain the isolated settlement.
La Salle set out on this arduous overland journey in 1687, accompanied by 17 colonists. This perilous trek through unfamiliar and often hostile territory was a testament to the severe challenges faced by the nascent French presence in the Gulf Coast region.
The Fate of Fort St. Louis
Though La Salle embarked on his crucial expedition for the fort's survival, the isolation and hardships faced by those he left behind ultimately proved insurmountable. The French settlement at Fort St. Louis faced continuous challenges, including disease, lack of supplies, and conflicts with Native American tribes. Tragically, the fort eventually succumbed to these pressures.
In the aftermath of the fort's collapse, a devastating outcome unfolded for its remaining inhabitants. Only five children from the fort's population survived the ordeal. These young survivors were remarkably saved by Native women from the local tribes, who subsequently raised them within their communities, marking a poignant and often overlooked aspect of the fort's history.
For more insights into French colonization efforts in North America, consider exploring reputable historical sources.
| Aspect of Departure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of Departure | 1687 |
| Number of Colonists | 17 |
| Primary Destination | Mississippi River (en route to Canada) |
| Ultimate Goal | To contact French authorities for assistance |
| Context of Fort Left | Faced severe hardship; only 5 children survived its eventual collapse, raised by Native women. |
