Ok, So When Was He Here?

As most of the readers of this blog know, I enjoy things that are ironic. Here's another example of one I've found.

Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle was a French explorer and was believed to be the first European known to have seen the Ohio River.

Exactly when he was at the River depends on who the person responsible for the Historical Marker Signs in West Virginia is at the time.

According to two signs within 5 feet of each other in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, it could have been twice. But only if La Salle had lived to be over 100 years old. It could have been in 1669 or 1769 depending on which sign you believe is correct.


History books say La Salle's visit to the Ohio River took place in 1669. La Salle was murdered by his followers in 1687 after they mutinied while seaching for the mouth of the Mississipi River. Seems La Salle has mistakenly landed in Texas when he thought he was in what was to become Louisianna. The fellas just weren't too happy that their destination was several hundred miles away.

Which means the sign that says Point Pleasant is in fact correct and the one that says Ohio is not.....unless La Salle made a posthumous return trip in the late 1760's.