French explorers Marquette and Joliet claimed the shores of Lake Michigan for France in the 17th century during their 1673 expedition.

While surveying the area in 1673, French travelers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet claimed the Lake Michigan waters for France. One of the first European expeditions to explore the interior of North America, their journey also included crossing the Mississippi River. By mapping the Great Lakes and their environs, Jesuit priest Marquette and fur merchant Joliet established French influence and presence. Their voyage across the Lake Michigan region was crucial to France's territorial claims and trade expansion in the New World. French colonization of the Midwest began with their exploration.