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On This Day
in West Virginia History...

Photo of lead plate buried by French explorer Celeron de Blainville
Photo of lead plate buried by French explorer Celeron de Blainville


On August 18, 1749, French explorer Celeron de Blainville planted a lead plate along the Ohio River at present-day Point Pleasant, claiming the territory for France.

Learn more:
"The Lead Plates"
Translation of Lead Plate
Document-Based Questions


On This Day in West Virginia History: August

West Virginia Archives and History