Vermont welcomes you to the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the region and the lake that today bears his name. The Vermont Lake Champlain Quadricentennial is an exciting opportunity to celebrate and explore Vermont’s fascinating history, rich culture, and scenic landscape.

Champlain, a French explorer from Brouage, France, was also the founder of Quebec City in 1608. (Read more about "Who Was Champlain.")   Arriving at Lake Champlain from the north in early July 1609, Champlain and his Native guides entered the lake in a fleet of 24 canoes. 

Champlain’s founding of Quebec City, interaction with native Americans and subsequent exploration of Lake Champlain was the starting point of a permanent French presence in North America. To this day, Quebec and Vermont share many cultural, social, and historical connections, and nearly 40 percent of Vermonters have French-Canadian roots.  The 12,000 year history of native Americans in the Champlain region continues to be revealed through archeology and the Vermont Abenaki efforts to share the culture of their ancestors.

To commemorate the 400th anniversary, Vermonters and visitors will enjoy more than 100 events, programs, and exhibits in 2009. We hope you will enjoy this historic opportunity to celebrate the land, the lake, and the people.

For more information, visit www.celebratechamplain.org.