Jean Baptiste de La Vérendrye

Jean Baptiste de La Vérendrye (b September 3, 1713 – d June 6, 1736) was the eldest son of Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye. He was born at Sorel, New France and he, with two brothers (Pierre Gaultier de La Vérendrye and François de La Vérendrye), was in the party his father led west in 1731. His cousin, and his father's second in command, La Jemeraye also accompanied them. Jean Baptiste and La Jemeraye founded Fort St. Pierre on Rainy River and then were instrumental in founding Fort St. Charles on Lake of the Woods. In 1734, Jean Baptiste founded Fort Maurepas on the Red River.

On June 6, 1736, Sioux indians ambushed a party led by Jean Baptiste soon after they left Fort St. Charles on Lake of the Woods. They were headed for Fort Kaministiquia and back east. He, Father Jean-Pierre Aulneau,and 19 other men were massacred.