The Misunderstood Mission of Jean Nicolet: Uncovering the Story of the 1634 Journey

by Patrick J. Jung

For years, schoolchildren heard the story of Jean Nicolet’s arrival in Wisconsin. But the popularized image of the hapless explorer landing with billowing robe and guns blazing, supposedly believing himself to have found a passage to China, is based on scant evidence—a false narrative perpetuated by fanciful artists’ renditions and repetition. 

In more recent decades, historians have pieced together a story that is not only more likely but more complicated and interesting. Patrick Jung synthesizes the research about Nicolet and his superior Samuel de Champlain, whose diplomatic goals in the region are crucial to understanding this much misunderstood journey across the Great Lakes. Additionally, historical details about Franco-Indian relations and the search for the Northwest Passage provide a framework for understanding Nicolet’s famed mission.

Genres: History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2018

Reviews

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the extent that Jean Nicolet is remembered it is as the discoverer of Green Bay. In “The Misunderstood Mission of Jean Nicolet” author Patrick J. Jung presents an in-depth study of the purposes of Nicolet’s 1634 journey. In order to accomplish this, he lays the background of New France and the Indian nations involved.

Jung begins by relating the explanations generally advanced of a voyage of discovery searching for a passage to China then proceeds to replace that theory with his that Nicolet was engaged in a diplomatic mission intended to establish peaceful relations with the Indians of the Wisconsin region.

The background is laid with extensive narratives concerning the life and career of Samuel de Champlain, the development of the Colony of New France, Nicolet’s biography and the characteristics, locations and relations of various Indian tribes along Lake Michigan and Green Bay. While advancing his theory, Jung acknowledges that the 1634 voyage is shrouded in the fog of time and unclear records.

Nicolet was a native of France who came to New France where he became acquainted with the Indians of his area, which was typical of the few French in New France of his day. Why did he journey to the west? Was it to find a route to the Orient and did he take along an Oriental robe to impress those he found, or was it a cape that would be appropriate for a diplomatic mission? This author espouses the diplomatic concept and presents his evidence that the French already new that the Great Lakes did not lead to the Orient and that the purpose of the voyage was to establish peaceful trading relations with the Indians of the Green Bay area. In doing so challenges much that passes for early Wisconsin history.

As a frequent visitor to Wisconsin I found the description of the tribes, the Puans, who evolved into the Winnebago and contemporary Ho-Chunk, Ottawas, Hurons and Menominees who all played their parts along the shores to be fascinating. Jung’s discovery that the term “Stinkards” referred not to the Indians’ hygiene but to the smell of the waters along which they lived is memorable trivia. Although I had read much about the French settlement of North America I learned more and gained a clearer understanding of the early days of New France than I ever had before.

Although the actual narrative of this tome fills only 179 pages, I would not categorize it as a fast read. The reader is challenged to think in order to process the message and to understand the relationships between the French and Indian dramatis personae. I mention this not as a criticism. I found the text so interesting that I wanted to devote the time to absorb its points and its history. I hope you will too.

I received a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review.

[MaryJo Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I live in Wisconsin, I was interested in the real story of Jean Nicolet when he met with the Puan and other Indian tribes in 1634, first European here and why was he here? Many things here are named for him and statues celebrate this meeting on the shores of Green Bay.
This scholarly work looks at all the research and stories that have surrounded this visit and comes up with the real reason: he was on a diplomatic mission ordered by Samuel de Champlain to make a treaty with these Wisconsin tribes, not trying to find the fabled passage to China as was previously thought.
I loved the descriptions of how French explorers and traders came to the new world and how they interacted with the various tribes. It was also interesting that the tribes were often fighting with each other and the French were peacemakers---with the goal of keeping the trade routes open.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very important book for understanding the French and Native American story of North America (eastern Canada and to the Great Lakes), as well as the principle players in the 1600s. The book was well documented and Jung used many primary sources and took a multidisciplinary approach to his topic. He debunked many "myths" and misinformation surrounding Nicolet's visit to the Great Lakes, specifically to Wisconsin, and explains exactly what was happening culturally and politically during this time. Most of the book centers on Champlain and various other Frenchmen in leadership rolls during this period and how their thoughts and actions were the bedrock for who Nicolet became and what he accomplished. Jung does a good job of explaining the various tribes and their interaction with the French and each other, as well as their cultures, especially related to war. I learned a tremendous amount from this book. This is not a rainy day book, but instead a reference book - dense and full of insight.

[Tom LaVenture · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapters that precede the introduction of Jean Nicolet, explain Samuel de Champlain's role in establishing Quebec, interacting with northeastern tribes to encourage trade and prevent wars - his growing suspicion that the freshwater Great Lakes were enclosed and not a direct route to the Pacific and China, all lead to serve as evidence in Dr. Jung's sound argument that Nicolet was an interpreter and diplomat who was tasked by Champlain with a mission to meet the Puan tribes and to establish a treaty to avoid hostilities. Nicolet was not an explorer seeking a route to China and was well aware he would be meeting First Nation tribes. A very enlightening book on the early days of European present in Northeast North America and how the tribal relationships were key to trade, settlement and exploration.

[Michaela Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5-3) While there were some fascinating revelations about both early French exploration in North America as well as the indigenous groups that called the area home, the book felt incredibly redundant. It was a treat to finally have a solid history book talk about my backyard, but I think a little more attention toward readability and brevity would have done wonders.