Which statement best summarizes LaHarpe's contributions?

LaHarpe's contributions are best summarized by his pivotal role in establishing trade networks in the region. As a French explorer and trader in the early 18th century, he significantly influenced the economic landscape of present-day Oklahoma and surrounding areas. LaHarpe recognized the strategic importance of the region's rivers for trade and transportation, facilitating connections between various indigenous tribes and European markets.

His efforts helped to improve the flow of goods, including furs and other resources, and established relationships between the French and Native American tribes, which were essential for economic development. This emphasis on trade over military conquest or missionary work defined his legacy in Oklahoma's early history. While he may have interacted with indigenous peoples and documented their cultures, his primary impact was through the establishment and enhancement of trade routes rather than on military or religious fronts.