page_title: French language in Minnesota
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: French language in Minnesota / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Pierre "pig's eye" parrant, first settler in St. Paul, MN From Minnesota Historical Society' art and photograph database Used for wikipedia page on Pierre Parrant First published prior to 1923
context_page_description: The French language has been spoken in modern-day Minnesota since the 17th century, being the first European language to be brought to the area.
context_section_description: The history of the French language in Minnesota is closely linked with that of Canadian settlers, such as explorer Louis Hennepin and trapper Pierre Parrant, who contributed very early on to its use in the area.
  As early as the mid-17th century, evidence shows the presence of French expeditions, settlements and villages in the region, in particular thanks to Frenchmen Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers, who likely reached Minnesota in 1654 after exploring Wisconsin.
  A few years later, explorer Cavelier de la Salle charted the Mississippi, ending his voyage in the neighboring state of North Dakota. He gave this region the nickname of "L'étoile du Nord" (Star of the North), which eventually became the motto of the State of Minnesota.
  The exploration of the northern territories and areas surrounding the Great Lake, including Minnesota, was encouraged by Frontenac, the Governor of New France.
  In the early days of Minnesota's settlement, many of its early European inhabitants were of Canadian origin, including Pierre Parrant, a trapper and fur trader born in Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan) in 1777.
  The Red River Métis community also played an important part in the use of French in Minnesota.
  Since 1858, when the State of Minnesota was established, the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota bears Cavelier de la Salle's French motto "L'étoile du Nord".
caption: Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, first settler in Saint Paul, Minnesota
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