In 1615, French explorer Samuel de Champlain and Jesuit missionaries, including Simon Le Moyne, explored the river and the surrounding area, which would be claimed as part of New France. Early maps and accounts refer to the river by its French name of "La Famine", a name referencing the hunger of French colonists who passed through the area in 1656; an Iroquois settlement known as "Cahihonovage" (or "Cahihonovague") was also on noted on its south shore, near present-day Port Ontario. "La Famine" was described as a "well-known stopping-place upon the eastern shore of Lake Ontario for the weary hunter and the bold explorer, and the spot where even armies encamped, and the ambassadors of hostile nations met in solemn council."