De Céloron's Expedition to the Ohio In 1749

Pierre Joseph Céloron de Blainville (1693-1759) was a French military officer who served in Michigan, Louisiana, Fort Niagara and on Lake Champlain. In 1749 he led an expedition through the Ohio River Valley to strengthen France’s claim to the region, as that claim was contested by the British. Competition between the French and British for the region eventually led to the Seven Years’ (French and Indian) War.