Editing Pierre Laclède (section)

== Early life ==
Laclède was born on 22 November 1729 in [[Bedous]], [[Béarn]], [[early modern France|France]].  He was one of the younger sons in his family, with parents being office-holders, authors, and scholars of some prominence.  His father, and later inherited by his brother, held the position of ''avocat au parlement'' de Navarre, a traditional region including Béarn, located in Pau.  His uncle, likewise, was a man of letters, writing a history of [[Kingdom of Portugal|Portugal]].  Overall, Laclède is said to be a reflection of desire for knowledge that filled his whole family.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

In 1755, Laclède migrated to [[New Orleans]] at the age of 26. It was part of the French colony known as {{lang|fr|[[La Louisiane]]}}. The cause of his trip is argued about; some historians believe he was traveling for pleasure.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}  Others say that he was looking to make his fortune in the new lands, as done by many other younger sons. Laclède was said to have given up positions in the church or army in order to explore the new world. Over the next few years after his arrival in New Orleans, he became a highly successful fur trader.  Unlike some contemporaries, he embraced the change from his family's traditions. Historians have commented on his energy, knowledge, and good judgement, which suggest past business experience, and a greater understanding for his success as a [[merchant]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

During this time, Laclède began to form relationships with the officials and Native Americans in the region around New Orleans.  It was through many of these conversations that Laclède learned of the opportunities that awaited further north, which inspired his exploration of the Mississippi at its confluence with the Missouri and Illinois rivers.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}