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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."

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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.

https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Verendrye_Site

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PaddyPat12 t1_j7e6m30 wrote

I love that story, incredible it was ever found and preserved.

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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

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