The Founding: 1634 & 1765
Green Bay’s history is split between its initial discovery and its permanent settlement, both driven by the French fur trade.
…
- Jean Nicolet (1634): The French explorer Jean Nicolet landed at Red Banks (northeast of the modern city) in 1634. Legend says he believed he was on the verge of finding a route to China, so he stepped ashore wearing elaborate Chinese damask robes and firing pistols to impress the “mandarins” he expected to meet.
- Charles de Langlade (1765): While traders passed through for a century, true permanent settlement began with Charles de Langlade. Often called the “Father of Wisconsin,” he moved his…