jaredfoglesmydad t1_j7cci65 wrote
The French did this in the Great Lakes region around maybe 1740? They may have done the same along the Mississippi. Not that I really know but I’d suspect it was done to make up for the fact that they didn’t really have enough colonists to populate a lot of the areas they established trade networks in. I’m not sure where the practice came from though.
In terms of enforcement I think they mainly did it to “call dibs” before the English got there. Not that it really mattered when the Seven Years war broke out. That doesn’t answer your question but it’s all I got.
whyenn OP t1_j7cotx1 wrote
Thanks, it's mentioned here in wikipedia:
>At each point, a tin or copper plate bearing the French royal arms was nailed to a tree. Below, an inscribed leaden plate was buried, declaring the claims of France. This was a traditional European mode of marking territory
...explaining why the title of the post asks about Europe as well as North America. But it doesn't have a source attached for the "traditional European mode" claim.
But yeah, that's great evidence establishing that it least happened. It's even referred to as "The 'Lead Plate" Expedition."
HeathAndLace t1_j7dh9w1 wrote
Different French expedition, but there was a lead plate buried overlooking the Missouri River at what is now known at the Verendrye Site in South Dakota in 1743. It was discovered during the early part of the 1900s.
PaddyPat12 t1_j7e6m30 wrote
I love that story, incredible it was ever found and preserved.
4_string_troubador t1_j7d6hey wrote
The expedition passed through my city...in fact, directly past the spot my house is in now...and buried a plate here. It's never been found
CommentContrarian t1_j7cnw1i wrote
The English did it too.
jaredfoglesmydad t1_j7cojln wrote
Oh really? In the Ohio Valley or elsewhere?
somewhatdim-witted t1_j7d26zp wrote
Yes. I read the Jesuits or maybe the Diocese of Baltimore did this down the Ohio River Valley.
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