Texas is the second-largest state in the United States and a place rich in history and culture. The early history of Texas is inextricably linked to countries such as France, Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Today, we're going to talk about the first European settlement in Texas, which was founded by a French explorer but suffered a tragic fate.
René-Robert C**elier, Sieur de la Salle was a French explorer who explored much of North America in the late 17th century, including the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. He attempted to establish a French colony in Louisiana, but due to a navigational error, he landed at Matagorda Bay, Texas, on February 18, 1685, and founded Fort Saint Louis there as the first European settlement in Texas.
Lassalle's aim was to establish a ** and military base in the Gulf of Mexico in order to compete with the Spanish colonies, while also expanding the territory for King Louis XIV of France. He led four ships and more than 300 crews, soldiers and colonists from France and sailed west through Haiti and Cuba. He had originally intended to land at the mouth of the Mississippi River, but due to inaccurate maps and unfavorable winds, he missed his target and sailed all the way to the coast of Texas.
After landing in the Bay of Matagorta, Lassalle found a suitable place to build a fortress, which he named Fort Saint-Louis in honor of the King of France. He built a number of wooden houses, warehouses and churches there, and also planted some crops in the hope of establishing a prosperous colony here. He also tried to build friendly relations with the local aborigines, giving them gifts such as knives, jewelry, and clothes.
However, Lasalle's colonial plan encountered many difficulties and setbacks, including the sinking of ships, the hostility of the indigenous people, the shortage of food, the epidemic of disease, and the mutiny of soldiers. Of his four ships, one was lost at sea, two ran aground in the Bay of Matagorta and sank, leaving only one able to sail. Some of his colonists were killed by the indigenous people of the Kalankawa tribe, some died of starvation and disease, and some defected because of resentment and fear. Some of his soldiers were dissatisfied with his leadership and decision-making, some doubted his ability and integrity, and some plotted against him.
Eventually, Lassalle was killed by a mutinous henchman in 1690, and Fort Saint-Louis was destroyed by the original Calancava people. Lassalle's colonial dreams were shattered, and his whereabouts were unknown.
Although Lasalle's colonial attempts failed, he left a lasting impact on the history and culture of Texas. His arrival aroused Spanish interest in Texas, and the Spaniards began to establish church and military strongholds in the region in order to stop further French expansion. These Spanish settlements laid the foundation for the history and culture of Texas until the early 19th century, when Texas became part of Mexico, and later seceded from Mexico in 1836 to become an independent Texas Republic.
The remains of Fort Saint-Louis remained undiscovered for a long time until the 20th century, when some archaeologists and historians began to search for and excavate it. They found some Lasalle's ships and belongings near the Bay of Matagorta, as well as some ruins of Fort Saint-Louis. These discoveries provide valuable information for the study of Lassalle's colonial history and add a bright spot to Texas' tourism industry.
Today, the remains of Fort St. Louis are listed as a National Historic Landmark and are also known as the "Birthplace of Texas." Every year, many tourists and students come here to visit and learn the story of LaSalle and get a feel for the history and culture of Texas. Do you want to check it out too?