Born in Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave in the Province of Gascony, France, he enlisted in the army at the age of 16, earning the rank of sergeant in 1680 and lieutenant in 1682. He commanded a small squadron of cavalry during King Louis XIV's war against the Dutch Republic, and was stationed at Fort Frontenac on the Canadian frontier in 1683.
In 1694, Cadillac was commissioned to lead an expedition to explore the region around the Great Lakes. He explored the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, and established a trading post at Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit in 1701. The post became the permanent settlement of Detroit, which Cadillac governed until 1710.
As governor of Detroit, Cadillac promoted trade with the Native Americans and encouraged French settlers to move to the region. He also established schools and churches, and helped to develop the local economy.
In 1710, Cadillac was accused of corruption and recalled to France. He was exonerated of the charges and returned to Detroit in 1712. However, he was again accused of corruption in 1717 and was permanently removed from office.
Cadillac returned to France and served in the military until 1722. He then retired to Castlemant in Gascony, where he died in 1730.
Cadillac is considered one of the most important figures in the early history of Michigan. He founded Detroit, which became a major center of trade and commerce in the Midwest. He also helped to promote French exploration and settlement of the Great Lakes region.
