"Fog on the St. Mary's River"Watercolor by Carol Hubbard, 2000The Les Cheneaux Islands and the waterways from Mackinac Island, Drummand Island, De Tour Point and the St. Mary's River leading to Sault St. Marie, were traveled by the Indians, French Voyagers, early European explorers and French merchants, pursuing commerce for New France. The early explorers entered the New World through the St. Lawerence River which eventually led them into the Great Lakes region. Champlain's young scout and later, fellow explorer, Etienne Brule, was the first of the early French explorers to discover Lake Huron. He continued westward to explore and probably went on to discover the St. Mary's River and Lake Superior. Louis Jolliet and his travel companion, Father Marquette, led an early expedition through the Great Lakes region in 1673. The St. Mary's River has witnessed many changes. History has continued to evolve throughout these lakes and rivers from the early Indian settlements of the Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, to the French and Indian fur trade, as well as, the conflict between the early European settlers and Indian nations, to the battles between the Americans and British during the War of 1812. Today, the St. Mary's River is an international highway for freighters carrying cargo from across the world, as well as, local boaters. For ordering information: Cards by Carol |
All images © 2001- 2005 Carol Hubbard