René-Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle

René-Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle (1643–1687), was a French explorer and fur trader known for his work in North America. He led expeditions through the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River, aiming to establish French claims and trade networks in the region. La Salle was instrumental in claiming the Mississippi Valley for France, naming it Louisiana after King Louis XIV. His explorations helped expand European influence in North America, but he also faced challenges and setbacks, ultimately culminating in his tragic death during an expedition. His legacy is significant in the history of French exploration and colonization in the Americas.