February 25

Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut (1639–1710), was a French soldier and explorer noted for his expeditions in North America. As an officer of the Compagnie des Cent-Associés, he established relations with Indigenous nations and mapped the western Great Lakes. His journeys laid the groundwork for French expansion into the Mississippi basin. The city of Duluth, Minnesota, commemorates his legacy. Du Lhut’s diplomatic skills helped secure fur trade alliances. He served as a key figure in early colonial administration, balancing exploration with negotiation. His accounts offer valuable insights into 17th-century Native American cultures and landscapes. Du Lhut’s name endures in geographical landmarks across the Great Lakes region.