Médard Chouart des Groseilliers

Médard Chouart des Groseilliers was a French explorer and fur trader in North America whose report on the wealth in furs prompted the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Although he was born in France, almost nothing is known of his early life before his arrival in New France in 1641. Taken into the service of the Jesuits, Médard travelled with them for the next five years getting to know opportunities of the New World. Thus he became the first Frenchman in New France to recognize the possibilities for fur trade around Hudson’s Bay.

In 1653 des Groseilliers married his second wife, Marguerite Hayet whose step-brother Pierre-Esprit Radisson became a prominent figure in fur trade. Together they went to Lake Superior in 1658-1660 where they found out from the Cree traders that the main source of furs lay northwest of the lake. Since they didn’t have a government license, the French authorities confiscated their furs and fined them upon their return. First they tried to improve their legal situation in France, but when these efforts failed the partners turned to the English who more appreciated their discoveries. With the help of investors in 1668 des Groseilliers and Radisson led the expedition into Hudson Bay that culminated in the founding of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Des Groseilliers continued to work for the company until 1675 providing help in establishing of the first posts and explorations of the region.

However, in 1676 they have returned to the service of the French and began to work for their “Compagnie du Nord”. Groseilliers was eventually allowed to return to New France and it is known that he led several naval expeditions against his former allies in Hudson Bay. Little is known about his life thereafter.