Jolliet's early years:
Jolliet was born in Quebec City, the son of a blacksmith and a Native American woman. He was educated by the Jesuits and showed an early interest in exploration. In 1669, he became the first European to navigate the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Lake Superior.
Jolliet's expedition with Marquette:
In 1673, Jolliet was chosen by the French governor of Canada to lead an expedition to explore the Mississippi River. He was accompanied by the Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette. The two men traveled down the river from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the mouth of the Arkansas River. They became the first Europeans to describe the geography and wildlife of the Mississippi Valley.
Jolliet's later years:
After the expedition, Jolliet returned to Canada and became a successful fur trader. He also served as the hydrographer for the French government. In 1680, he published a map of the Mississippi River that was the most accurate of its time.
Jolliet's legacy:
Jolliet's expedition with Marquette was a major milestone in the exploration of North America. It paved the way for further European exploration of the Mississippi Valley and the eventual settlement of the region. Jolliet is remembered as a skilled explorer, cartographer, and fur trader who helped to shape the history of North America.