J is for Jacque Marquette and Louis Jolliet
The first Europeans to live in Illinois were French people.
The French and the
English were each trying to get as much new land as possible.
They wanted to build empires and get rich. In 1673, the French explorer
Louis Jolliet and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette discovered Illinois.
They were the first Europeans to travel on the upper Mississippi River.
They were very excited about Illinois' rich soil, natural resources, flat
lands and nice weather. Jolliet wanted to claim the land to build a strong
empire for France. Father Marquette wanted to teach the Indians about
Christianity. In 1699, French priests built Illinois'
first permanent settlement in
Cahokia. It is the oldest town in Illinois. Soon more
French men came to Illinois.
Another settlement was built in Kaskaskia. The
French changed the way Native
Americans lived.
Learn more about these men by clicking on the links below
or by
completing our online activities.