 French exploration in Minnesota is known have begun in the 17th century with explorers like <unk> , <unk> , and Le <unk> . After France signed a treaty with a number of tribes to allow trade in the area , French settlements began to appear . <unk> Daniel <unk> , Sieur du <unk> explored the western area of Lake Superior helping to advance trade and leading to the establishment of Fond du Lac ( part of modern Duluth , which was named after du <unk> ) . Roman Catholic priest Louis <unk> , captured by the Sioux in <unk> while exploring North America with famed explorer La Salle , discovered and named Saint Anthony Falls . The next account of an expedition into Minnesota 's interior was that of Captain Jonathan Carver of Connecticut who reached Saint Anthony Falls in 1766 . In the later 18th century trader Peter Pond explored the Minnesota River valley noting significant European settlement in the region in addition to the natives . 
