The French Explorer Who Founded Detroit: Lamothe Cadillac

Did you know the founder of Detroit came from a small village in southwest France? In this episode, host Annie Sargent and guest Kim Loftus dive into the life of Antoine Laumet, better known as Lamothe Cadillac. He’s the man who established Detroit and left a lasting mark on both French and American history.

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Born near Toulouse in the village of Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, Cadillac reinvented himself when he set off for the New World. Along the way, he adopted a new name, a new identity, and used his charm and ambition to rise in the ranks of New France. He became a key figure, founding Fort Pontchartrain (which would later become Detroit) and serving as Governor of Louisiana.

Annie and Kim also share their visit to Cadillac’s birthplace, where they explored the local museum and uncovered more about his legacy. They talk about the small towns of southwest France, like Castelsarrasin and Moissac, and their connections to this intriguing historical figure.

Cadillac was an ambitious and controversial man who shaped early French-American history. Whether you’re a history buff, a Francophile, or just curious about the real story behind the name "Cadillac," this episode is full of fascinating insights.

Listen now to discover more about this bold explorer and his incredible journey from rural France to the founding of Detroit!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• Today on the Podcast
• Podcast Supporters
• The Magazine segment
• Bootcamp 2025
• Annie and Kim
• Discovering Cadillac’s Story
• The Journey to Saint Nicolas de la Grave
• Cadillac’s Transformation and Legacy
• Cadillac’s Life in America
• Challenges and Controversies
• Cadillac’s Return to France
• Governor of Louisiana
• Final Years in France
• Cadillac’s Death and Legacy
• The Mystery of Cadillac’s Grave
• A Tour of Cadillac’s House
• The Cadillac Museum and Its Challenges
• Visiting Nearby Villages and Activities
• Moissac
• Montauban: A City of History and Renovation
• Famous Figures from Montauban, Ingres Bourdelle Museum
• Cadillac’s Legacy and the Car Connection
• Conclusion and Farewell
• Thank you Patrons
• No tour reviews
• Itinerary consultations
• Must-have items in your bag in Paris
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright