Célèron de Blainville

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

In 1749, Frenchman Célèron de Blainville led an expedition authorized by Comte de la Galissoniere, Governor of New France, that traveled down the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. This was to serve as a show of French force to the Native Americans and the British traders. Célèron placed, at the confluence of each river he passed, including the Great Miami and the Kanawha River, a lead plate claiming the land for the King of France.