April 9: French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and a small party arrive at the mouth of the Mississippi River. La Salle claims the region and names it Louisiana in honor of King ...

But in 1682, along came Rene-Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle ... on their territory, it was too late. Fast-forward from 1682 to 1762. France was worn out after the French and Indian War.