In 1634, Pierre Duplessis, a French explorer, established Trois-Rivières, marking an important chapter in the expansion of New France. Its location, at the juncture of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence Rivers, was chosen for its strategic advantage in the fur trade. As the second permanent settlement in the region after Quebec City, Trois-Rivières served as a pivotal point for commerce and communication within New France and with Indigenous communities. The settlement quickly developed into a key trading hub, facilitating exchanges between French settlers and various Indigenous tribes, significantly impacting the economic landscape of the time.

The establishment of Trois-Rivières also reflected the broader ambitions of the French crown, which aimed to solidify its presence in North America amidst competition from other European powers. With a growing population, the settlement attracted additional settlers who sought opportunities in trade, farming, and resource exploitation. Religious and cultural influences also played a role, as Jesuit missionaries arrived to evangelize the Indigenous populations, creating a complex web of interactions between different cultures and economies.

As Trois-Rivières grew, it contributed to the foundation of a lasting French presence in Canada. Its burgeoning economy centered on the fur trade laid the groundwork for future urban centers in the region. The settlement also became a crucial waypoint for subsequent explorations and trading expeditions, fostering a network that would shape the social and economic fabric of the area well into the future.