Charlesbourg-Royal and France-Roy (1541–43): France's first colonization attempt in the Americas

Abstract

The site of the first French attempt to establish a colony in North America, by Jacques Cartier and Sieur de Roberval in 1541–43, was discovered on the Cap Rouge headland of Québec in 2005. A major multidisciplinary research programme has followed. Buildings on the cliff edge and possible traces of defences were identified as parts of the Upper Fort described by Roberval. Some construction techniques are paralleled in northern France. Finds and botanical evidence suggest that the area was used by people of high status and indicate contact with the St Lawrence Iroquoians. The site was destroyed by fire.