La Salle (French explorer)

La Salle was a French explorer in the late 17th century known for his explorations of North America. He aimed to find a westward route to the Pacific and claimed the entire Mississippi River basin for France. In 1682, he famously traveled down the Mississippi River and established Fort Saint Louis in present-day Texas, claiming the region for France. His journeys helped map parts of the interior of North America and laid the groundwork for French claims in Louisiana. Despite setbacks, including his assassination, La Salle’s explorations significantly influenced European understanding of North America's interior and the expansion of French influence.