Map of central and eastern North America representing the New France before the French and Indian War (1755-63): French (yellow), Spanish (pink) and English (Green). Explorers Joliet and Marquette, La Salle, and Louis Hennepin established France's claim for extensive territory in central North American in the 17th century. LaSalle named it 'Louisiana' for the King Louis XIV during his exploration of the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. Cartouche include Hennepin's depictions of Niagara Falls and the American Bison. Map is by German Cartographer, Johann Baptist Homann, (1663-1724) (BSLOC_2020_1_135)