La Belle Okumé wood

The project was conceived by one of the most famous explorers of all time: Robert La Salle, known for his exploits and extraordinary abilities and was financed by King Louis XIV, the famous Sun King, not only for a scientific purpose but mainly for political reasons.

The aim of the expedition was to establish a French colony near the mouth of the Mississippi, which would facilitate trade between North America and Louisiana, the region of Central America that had already been conquered by France and named after Louis XIV. 

Route change

Change of course

La Salle originally intended to proceed from north to south, starting in what is now Canada, travelling overland to the Pays des Illinois, then along the Mississippi River to its mouth, where he was to establish his colony. However, the original plan of the expedition was changed by decision of King Louis XIV, and it was agreed to depart from the Gulf of Mexico.