A Mystery in History
– Newspaper Clipping in French –
Last night, as I was browsing through my philatelic archives, I stumbled upon an old newspaper clipping with the intriguing title: “Un buste de Samuel de Champlain trône désormais sur la Place du Canada à Paris”.
The article featured a photograph of the bust and a short write-up about its significance, commemorating the birth of Acadia and the first French settlement in North America.
Seeing this, I wondered whether it would make an interesting subject for today’s blog post. And then, serendipity struck!
As I was contemplating topics, this very theme appeared in the research I undertook. It was a clear sign that this was the story to explore today. 😊
Samuel de Champlain, widely known as the “Father of New France,” was instrumental in the exploration and settlement of Canada. However, despite his significant historical footprint, much about his early life remains unknown, including speculation that he may have had Scottish ancestry.
Let’s examine Champlain’s possible connections to Scotland, Scotland’s role in New France during his era, and how Scottish-French alliances shaped early Quebec.
Was Champlain of Scottish Descent? The Debate Continues
Historical records regarding Champlain’s origins are scarce, leading to ongoing speculation about his ancestry. Some historians suggest that Champlain may have had Scottish roots, possibly through a merchant or noble family connected to the French court.
The uncertainty surrounding his birth records and family lineage fuels this mystery. While conclusive proof remains elusive, the possibility of Scottish ancestry adds an intriguing layer to his story, particularly given the presence of Scots in the regions where he lived and worked.
Canada Post – First Day Cover – Samuel de Champlain & the Heights of Quebec – The 5 cent Quebec City stamp, designed by Gerald Mathew Trottier, was issued on June 26, 1958
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
Scotland’s Role in Champlain’s Era: Trade and Military Influence
Champlain lived during a period when the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland (established in 1295) remained influential. Scotland and France had long been military and economic partners, and Scottish mercenaries frequently served in the French army. Many Scots also settled in French territories, including New France, as traders and fur trappers.
In the early 1600s, Scottish merchants were actively involved in transatlantic trade, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, where Champlain spent much of his early career.
This trade network may have influenced his decision to explore and settle in North America. Additionally, Scottish-French cooperation in the fur trade became a key factor in the economic survival of New France.
“Scotland and France have always had a friendly understanding, for we are both small countries bound together by necessity and strong mutual interests.” – Scottish historian Andrew Lang
The Scottish-French Alliances and Their Impact on Quebec
The Auld Alliance ensured that Scots played a role in New France’s development, even after England and Scotland united in 1707. The legacy of Scottish influence is evident in Quebec’s history:
- The Fraser Highlanders, a regiment of Scottish soldiers, played a role in Quebec’s defense and later integration into British rule.
People ask: “Who are the 78th Fraser Highlanders and for what do they stand”?
The answer is both simple and complicated. In 1757 the clansmen answered a call from Simon Fraser to follow him on what romantics nowadays would call, a Grand Adventure. In ways it was, for at a time when opportunities were scarce in the Highlands after the Jacobite rebellion, it gave them a chance to advance themselves and seek their fortune while serving the British Crown in the New World. Britain was at war with France, both in Europe and in North America.
The 78th Frasers Highlanders fought at Louisbourg, Quebec, Montreal and St Johns.
At the end of the war the 78th Fraser Highlanders were reduced to nil strength in Quebec, and while some chose to return home to the Highlands, many of the soldiers received land grants which allowed them the chance to prosper in the new world. When subsequent threats to their new homes occurred during the American Revolution, the retired members of the 78th answered the call, in defence of those homes.
- Many Scottish fur traders, such as those in the North West Company, were instrumental in shaping the economic foundation of New France and later Canada.
- Scottish bankers and merchants contributed significantly to the development of Montreal and Quebec City.
These ties helped shape Quebec’s political and economic landscape, and remnants of this Scottish influence remain visible today.
Pierre Dugua de Mons: A Key Figure in Champlain’s Journey
Another important figure in the establishment of New France is Pierre Dugua de Mons, a nobleman and merchant who was one of Champlain’s key patrons.
As the Lieutenant General of New France, he played a crucial role in financing Champlain’s explorations and securing French settlements in the Americas.
Pierre Dugua de Mons was responsible for founding Port-Royal in Acadia (now Nova Scotia) in 1605, the first permanent French settlement in North America.
His contributions laid the foundation for later French expansion into Canada, including the establishment of Quebec City in 1608 by Champlain.
💡 Given that my family name Dugas might be linked to this lineage, it is fascinating to consider the potential ancestral connection between Dugua de Mons and modern-day descendants carrying the Dugas name.
“History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history.” – James Baldwin
A Monument to Champlain in Paris: Honoring His Legacy
In recognition of Champlain’s impact, a bust of the explorer now stands in Place du Canada in Paris, commemorating the birth of Acadia and the first French settlement in North America.
This statue, sculpted by Alfred Laliberté based on a plaster model created in 1930, serves as a reminder of Champlain’s enduring legacy.
As passersby in Paris observe this monument, they are reminded of the deep historical connections between France and Canada, with Scotland’s role often hidden in the background.
Champlain’s Legacy and Scotland’s Hidden Hand
While definitive proof of Champlain’s Scottish ancestry remains unconfirmed, Scotland’s presence in his world was undeniable.
From trade networks to military alliances and settlement efforts, Scotland played a crucial role in shaping early New France.
The legacy of figures like Pierre Dugua de Mons, along with Champlain’s own pioneering efforts, connects Scotland, France, and Quebec in a rich historical tapestry that continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner
The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques presents Samuel de Champlain from the Historical Narratives of the Americas series, highlighting his contribution to the presence and growth of the Francophone identity across our vast continent between 1570 and 1635.
This project is the result of a close collaboration with Quebecois artist Alexandre Belliard, a singer-songwriter, speaker, and passionate historian.
Enjoy!
Talk soon,
Janice
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#SamuelDeChamplain #QuebecHistory #ScottishConnections #AuldAlliance
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