The Builders of New France

Samuel de Champlain’s arrival in the early 17th century marked a pivotal moment in the history of New France and set the stage for the waves of immigration that would follow, including the Filles à Marier, the Carignan-Salières Regiment, and the Filles du Roi. In 1608, Champlain established a permanent French settlement at Quebec, strategically located on the St. Lawrence River. This marked not only the beginning of sustained European presence in the region but also laid the groundwork for future expansion and colonization. Champlain’s initial voyages were driven by a combination of exploration, fur trading, and the ambition to establish a French foothold in North America. He meticulously charted the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas, forging alliances with some Indigenous groups while navigating complex relationships with others.

Champlain’s early years in New France were characterized by hardship and uncertainty. The fledgling colony struggled to survive, facing harsh winters, disease, and conflicts with some Indigenous populations. Despite these challenges, Champlain’s vision and perseverance were instrumental in securing France’s claim to the territory. His efforts to establish trade networks and cultivate relationships with Indigenous peoples, while complex and sometimes fraught with tension, were essential for the colony’s initial survival. This early period, marked by exploration, adaptation, and the establishment of a tenuous foothold, created the context for the subsequent waves of French immigration that would shape the future of Canada. The struggles and successes of these early years laid the foundation for the arrival of the Filles à Marier, the Carignan-Salières Regiment, and the Filles du Roi, each group playing a distinct role in solidifying the French presence in North America.

The Filles à Marier, Filles du Roi, Carignan-Salières Soldiers, Coureurs de Bois, Pioneers, Captives

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The Filles à Marier (1634-1663)

The Filles à Marier were young, unmarried women who voluntarily traveled to New France before royal sponsorship was available. These women were recruited by wealthy settlers and religious organizations who sought to provide wives for male colonists. Their journey was often difficult, requiring them to adapt to a harsh new environment. Upon arrival, they were expected to marry quickly and contribute to the growth of the colony by raising families. Their role was crucial in forming the early family networks that would later support the expansion of New France.

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The Filles du Roi (1663-1673)

The Filles du Roi were young women, often orphans, who were sponsored by King Louis XIV to travel to New France and marry settlers. Unlike the Filles à Marier, these women received financial assistance from the King, including a dowry to help them start their new lives. Approximately 770 Filles du Roi arrived in New France, significantly increasing the colony’s population. These women played an essential role in creating stable households, and many of their descendants became prominent figures in Canadian history. Their contributions helped ensure the long-term survival of the French presence in North America.

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The Carignan-Salières Regiment (1665-1668)

The Carignan-Salières Regiment was sent by the French Crown to protect settlers from attacks by the Iroquois and other threats. This regiment consisted of over 1,200 soldiers who played a vital role in securing the colony’s borders. After their military service, many soldiers chose to remain in New France, encouraged by land grants and the opportunity to start a new life. To further solidify the colony, the government encouraged these soldiers to marry local women, including the Filles du Roi. Their presence not only brought security to the region but also helped lay the foundations for new farming communities that would sustain the colony for generations.

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The Coureurs de bois (1600-1750)

The Coureurs de bois, or “runners of the woods,” were independent French fur traders who explored and traded throughout 17th and 18th-century North America. Venturing deep into the continent’s interior, they lived among Indigenous peoples, learning their languages and customs to facilitate the fur trade. These skilled woodsmen and navigators forged crucial alliances, expanding French knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. While often romanticized, their lives were challenging, marked by hardship and legal uncertainties. The Coureurs de bois played a complex role in colonial expansion and intercultural exchange, establishing early trade networks and contributing to the Métis population through relationships with Indigenous women. Their legacy is multifaceted, representing both the adventurous spirit of the frontier and the complex dynamics of colonization. (Source: Giraud, Marcel. Les Coureurs de bois. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1964.)

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Pioneers

Quoting from PRDH-IGD:

France under the Old Régime did not supply a great number of emigrants to its colonies across the Atlantic. In fact, just 15,000 Frenchmen and Frenchwomen sailed for Canada in the seventeenth century, and two-thirds of them stayed in the colony for a short period and either returned to France or died in Canada without getting married. This was a very low number: the British Isles, with a population just over one-third of France’s, sent almost 380,000 immigrants to the New World over the same period.

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Captives

Captives as Builders: The Untold Stories. Beyond voluntary settlers, New France’s population expanded through the assimilation of Anglo-American captives taken in raids like the 1704 Deerfield Massacre, 1690 Schenectady Massacre, 1692 Candlemas Massacre and others. These individuals, often children, were adopted into French or Indigenous families and became integral to French colonial society.

How These Groups Were Connected

The Filles à Marier and Filles du Roi were like a lifeline for New France. Imagine a town where there are way more men than women – that’s what New France was like! These women, whose names mean “marriageable girls” and “king’s daughters,” were sent over from France to help even things out. The Filles à Marier were often regular women looking for a fresh start, while the Filles du Roi were young women sponsored by the King of France. Both groups were given a dowry, kind of like a wedding gift, to help them get started in their new lives. They were encouraged to marry quickly, especially the soldiers of the Carignan-Salières Regiment, because a family-friendly colony was seen as a strong colony. The colony’s populace was additionally augmented through conquest (war) by captives who were brought to New France as well as through in-migration by pioneers from France and elsewhere.

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Why This Matters

When these men and women got married and started families, it was like planting seeds for the future. Their children became the first French-Canadians, and their families helped build communities. The protection provided by the soldiers allowed families to grow without constantly fearing for their safety. The women brought skills, strength, and a sense of home to the colony. Together, they built farms, towns, and a whole new society. It wasn’t always easy, but their combined efforts helped make New France a place where people could build a life and a future.

The contributions of these groups were critical to the success of New France. Their struggles and sacrifices helped establish a permanent French presence in North America. Today, many Canadians and Franco-Americans can trace their ancestry back to these early settlers, highlighting the lasting impact of their efforts. Without them, it’s hard to say if New France would have lasted or become what we know as French-speaking Canada today.

Our Family Members

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Resources Used and available for Further Learning

The following sources are most commonly used across all the research provided here. Copies of primary source documentation, such as it exists, is stored on our family tree. Secondary materials are stored in ManyRoads’ online libraries unless they are to be found on the sites listed below:

French America resources

For specific information on Samuel de Champlain and early New France:

• Champlain’s own writings: Champlain was a prolific writer and kept detailed journals of his voyages and experiences in New France. These are primary sources of immense historical value. They are often available in translated editions. Search for “The Works of Samuel de Champlain” or similar titles.
• The Canadian Encyclopedia: This is a reliable online encyclopedia with entries on Samuel de Champlain, New France, and related topics. It provides a good overview and often includes links to further reading.
• Library and Archives Canada: This is a treasure trove of historical documents and resources related to Canadian history, including materials on Samuel de Champlain and early New France.
• Biographies of Champlain: Several biographies of Samuel de Champlain have been written. These can provide more in-depth information about his life and accomplishments. Search for biographies of Champlain at your local library or online.

Specifically regarding the founding of Quebec:

• “Quebec: 1608-2008: Three Centuries of History” by David Hackett Fischer: This book provides a detailed history of Quebec City and its early years.
• “Champlain: The Founder of New France” by Morris Bishop: A classic biography of Samuel de Champlain.

Regarding the challenges and early life in New France:

• “The French Regime in Canada” by Gustave Lanctot: This work explores the social, economic, and political aspects of life in New France under French rule.

When researching early Canadian history, it’s always a good idea to consult multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective. Look for academic books and articles, as well as reputable online resources like those mentioned above. Be sure to evaluate the credibility of any source you use.