Louis Boulduc - Historical Background

Historical Background

The king of France at the time of Louis’ birth was Louis XIV (1643–1715). Louis XIV was king of France during the French Renaissance. The reign of Louis XIV's predecessor (Louis XIII – 1610–1643) and his own reign had parts which were dominated by Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin, and made France a nearly absolute monarchy. In a series of costly wars they (the kings) raised France to the chief power of Europe.

Much of the early exploration of North America was the result of a quest by the great powers of Europe to discover a sea route to the Far East (for the French and English this was a hunt for who would be first to discover the Northwest Passage). Further complicating this scenario was intensely fierce competition to establish dominance in the lucrative fur trade and access to the bountiful fishing waters of the North Atlantic. As time went on, it simply became an ongoing war for control of the continent of North America.

Jacques Cartier represented France's first entry into this competition with his discovery and exploration of the St Lawrence Seaway in 1535. Cartier made several trips to this region after claiming the territory for France and named it "Nouvelle (New) France". Interestingly, during his first journey, Cartier discovered a Huron village, Stadacona, which was located on the present site of Quebec City. The next explorer of note was Samuel de Champlain who is credited with the founding of Quebec City in 1608, a mere 57 years before the arrival of Louis Boulduc and the Carignan-Salières Regiment. This first settlement was located below the cliffs, on the banks of the St Lawrence River. This location is now called "Place Royale" and has some of the oldest buildings and streets in North America. Over time this part of the city has come to be known as the Lower City (Basse Ville). Understandably, the French crown was anxious to establish a permanent colony in the New World to expand its holdings and protect its interests against the English. To this end, Champlain was given that task and he accomplished it admirably. Out of the initial contingent of 24 French settlers and soldiers, only 8 survived the first winter. Further immigration was encouraged by the promise of new opportunities, free land and adventure, and the city began to grow steadily. Generally, Champlain also fared reasonably well with the Native Americans who inhabited the Quebec region. He and his Indian allies, the Algonquians and Hurons, combined forces to combat the Iroquois, whose raids on the settlement were becoming increasingly frequent and deadly. Under his leadership, Quebec continued to prosper and expand, and became the largest seaport north of Boston. Champlain is justifiably remembered as the "Father of New France." He died in 1635 and was buried under the Ursuline Convent in his beloved town. At the time, Quebec had a mere 150 residents!

The region was subject to famine, frigid winters, and the constant threat of Indian attack. It was into this hostile environment that the first Boulduc arrived in New France to seek his destiny (and those of his descendants) in the mid-17th century. Let us explore the life of this pioneer who, in one bold stroke, dramatically changed and shaped the future of his family and descendants.