Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac was born in France in 1656. He was sent to America where he was placed in control of French forces at Mackinac. In 1701 Cadillac established a settlement on the Detroit River called Fort-Pontcghartrain-du-Detroit. When the English gained control of the town its name was shortened to Detroit. Cadillac, who was also governor of Louisiana (1713-1716), died in 1730.