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Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan Recollect monk from Ath, participated as chaplain in René-Robert de La Salle's expedition to the Great Lakes in the late 17th century. Hennepin is renowned for being the first to describe Niagara Falls, which he encountered in 1678. After La Salle returned to Montreal for supplies, Hennepin, along with two companions, continued exploring, ascending the Mississippi River to the area of present-day Minneapolis. In April 1680, they were captured by the Sioux, during which time Hennepin sighted St. Anthony Falls. Released in September 1680, Hennepin and his companions made their way back to Quebec and ultimately returned to France in 1682. His accounts of these explorations significantly contributed to the early European understanding of the North American interior.