Explorer. He was a trader, living in Quebec, dealt with the Indians, and in the course of his travels made his way as far west as the Green bay of Michigan seeking a water route to China. According to Father Vimont, who wrote in 1640, the date of his visit was about 1634. Nicolet was therefore the first white man to set foot in what is now the state of Wisconsin. He is also believed to be the first European who saw the prairies of Illinois and the site of the city of Chicago. His stories, on his return to Quebec, to the effect that he had been on a river that would have taken him to the sea had he kept on three days longer, led the Jesuits to believe themselves on the eve of discovery of the long-sought outlet to India. Summoned to Three Rivers to attempt to save an Iroquois prisoner that the Algonquins were preparing to torture. Engaged on this errand of mercy, Nicolet's canoe upset on the St. Lawrence River, and he drowned. A county of Quebec, and a town, the seat of Nicolet institution, bear his name.
Explorer. He was a trader, living in Quebec, dealt with the Indians, and in the course of his travels made his way as far west as the Green bay of Michigan seeking a water route to China. According to Father Vimont, who wrote in 1640, the date of his visit was about 1634. Nicolet was therefore the first white man to set foot in what is now the state of Wisconsin. He is also believed to be the first European who saw the prairies of Illinois and the site of the city of Chicago. His stories, on his return to Quebec, to the effect that he had been on a river that would have taken him to the sea had he kept on three days longer, led the Jesuits to believe themselves on the eve of discovery of the long-sought outlet to India. Summoned to Three Rivers to attempt to save an Iroquois prisoner that the Algonquins were preparing to torture. Engaged on this errand of mercy, Nicolet's canoe upset on the St. Lawrence River, and he drowned. A county of Quebec, and a town, the seat of Nicolet institution, bear his name.
Bio by: NyFrancoAmerican
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