French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan
P.O. Box 1900, Royal Oak, 48068-1900
FCHSM Plaque at Hart Plaza, Detroit
 
Plaque erected by FCHSM at Hart Plaza to honor those who accompanied Cadillac to Detroit on 24 July 1701
On 18 May 2002, the plaque honoring the 52 known French and French-Canadian voyageurs and hired men, and the soldiers who accompanied Antoine Lamothe, Sieur de Cadillac, to Detroit on 24 July 1701 was dedicated. The plaque is next to the Cadillac statue and the state historical marker in Hart Plaza, Detroit.  To our knowledge, this is the only historical plaque in the state of Michigan erected by a genealogical society. 
 
On 7 April 2015, Gail Moreau-DesHarnais discovered that François Rivard signed the contract for the first convoy to Detroit.  His name, therefore, should be included on the plaque.
 
See the Fur Trade Page for a translation of the contract for the first convoy to Detroit
 
Loraine DiCerbo's photo of the 1701 plaque - English
Loraine DiCerbo's photo of the English text of the plaque erected by FCHSM to honor the voyageurs, hired men, and soldiers who accompanied Cadillac to Detroit