* Discovery of the Mississippi River: La Salle is credited with being the first European explorer to travel down the Mississippi River from its source to the Gulf of Mexico. His expedition of 1681-1682 opened up the vast interior of North America to European exploration and settlement.
* Founding of New Orleans: La Salle also founded the city of New Orleans in 1682. New Orleans became a major center of trade and commerce in the Mississippi Valley and eventually the largest city in Louisiana.
* Advancement of French Power in North America: La Salle's explorations helped to expand French territory in North America and increase its power and influence in the region. France controlled a vast area of land from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.
* Establishment of Trade Networks: La Salle's expeditions also led to the establishment of trade networks between the French and Native American tribes in the Mississippi Valley. These trade networks became an important source of wealth for the French colonists.
* Spread of Catholicism: La Salle was a devout Catholic and aimed to spread Catholicism among the Native Americans he encountered. Several Jesuit missionaries accompanied his expeditions, and they worked to convert the Native Americans to Christianity.