In order to enlighten the reader as to the environment in which our ancestors lived, a compilation of articles describing the region, by some of the notable characters of that time, and the circumstances surrounding the events are to follow. Frequent narration (italicized) will be given to clarify our understanding of the individual, and the motivation for giving the account.

1702

Cadillac’s description of Detroit and Vicinity

Cadillac sent this description of the “Region”, to the French government in 1702. Obviously, he was still “selling his dream”.

My Lord,
It is my duty to give you an account of this country; I will begin with a short description, so that you may be more informed about it. Detroit is a river lying north- northeast towards Lake Huron and south-southwest to the entrance of Lake Erie. According to my reckoning it will be about 25 or 26 leagues in length and it is navigable so that a vessel of 100 guns could pass through it safely.

Towards the middle, there is a lake, which has been called St.Claire, which is about 30 leagues in circumference and 10 leagues in length. This lake is scarcely noticed, on account of several large fine islands, which form various passages or channels, which are no wider, the river. It is only for about 4 leagues that the channel is wider. Through this passage, the water of Lake Nemebigoun, which is 300 leagues, flows gently; those of Lake Superior, which if 550 leagues round, those of Lake Michigan or Illinois, 300 leagues, those of Lake Huron, 600 leagues. They go into Lake Erie 300 Leagues, and afterwards into Lake Ontario or Fronlenac 300 leagues, finally, they pass through the River of St. Lawrence, or Quebec River, and mingle in the ocean. All of these lakes are of sweet water.

At the entrance of Lake Huron the lands are brown and well wooded, a vast grand prairie is seen there which extends to the interior of the lands on both sides of the river up to St. Claire, there, there are fewer prairies than elsewhere. All the surroundings of this lake are extensive pasturelands, and the grass on them is so tall a man can scarcely be seen in it.

This section is abbreviated; he (Cadillac) continues describing the various flora and fauna of the region, including large wooly oxen (American Bison), some distance to the south. He also describes the vast numbers of fruit trees, apples, pears, plums and cherries as well as mulberries etc. He is no doubt attempting to convince the French government to allow him to continue to maintain the fort at Detroit.