White Sands

Champlain meets the Wendat (Huron)

Oct 5, 1615

Champlain meets the Wendat (Huron) on his exploratory expedition to Wendake, the ancestral homeland of the Wendat. In the area southeast of the Georgian Bay, north of Lake Simcoe, the Wendat numbered about 20,000 people distributed in 18 towns and villages, eight of which were palisaded.

Jesuits in Wendake

Oct 5, 1633

Jesuits in Wendake

Smallpox Epidemic

Oct 5, 1639

Nation is dreadfully scourged by an epidemic of smallpox. Half the population dies. Father Jerome Lalemant states that the Wendat comprised "four nations" the general name that which is common..is Wendat..the individual names are Attignawantan (Bear), Attigneenongnahac (Cord), Arenahronons (Rock) and Atohontaenrat (Deer).

Beginning of Iroquois Raids

Oct 5, 1640

Beaver and other furred animals had almost disappeared from the Iroquois country and the Iroquois who needed furs to trade to the Dutch began raids on the Wyandot trade routes.

Mohawk & Seneca War

Oct 5, 1648

War breaks out between the Mohawk and Seneca against the Huron. The Mohawk and Senecas have 500 to 600 guns. The Huron nation is scattered.

Huron Retreat to Macvkinac Island

Oct 5, 1649

Huron and Petun are decisively defeated and flee westward to Mackinac Island.

Remaining Hurons Flee to Quebec City

Oct 5, 1650

300 Huron who had wintered on Christian Island go to Quebec accompanied by 60 Frenchmen from the abandoned Huron Mission.