René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle (1643-1687), was a French explorer known for his significant contributions to the exploration of North America. He is best known for claiming the entire Mississippi River basin for France, which he named Louisiana in honor of King Louis XIV. La Salle's expeditions helped expand European knowledge of the interior of the continent. La Salle's journey began in the late 1660s, and he traveled extensively through the Great Lakes region. His explorations were marked by both achievements and challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and difficulties in navigation. Despite these obstacles, La Salle's work laid the groundwork for future French colonization in North America.