LaSalle Historical Monument

Born in Rouen, France, November 22, 1643. Came to Canada in 1666. Founded a first settlement near Montreal. Led several expeditions on the Great Lakes and the Ohio exploration of the Mississippi, 1682. On July 24, 1684 La Salle sailed from France to establish a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi. Landed at Matagorda Bay, February 15, 1685. There he established Fort St. Louis.  While on his way to Canada he was murdered near the Trinity River, March 19, 1687.

La Salle's colony on Matagorda Bay gave the United States its first claim  to Texas as a part of the Louisiana Purchase.