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Jolliet's Map, 1674, A.T. Andreas' History of Chicago.

This building honors Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary who explored this area with Louis Jolliet between 1674 and 1675.

In search of a route to the Pacific Ocean, they journeyed along the Wisconsin River and down the Mississippi River. On their return, Jolliet and Marquette followed the Illinois, Des Plaines, and Chicago Rivers. Jolliet clearly understood Chicago’s potential: “We could easily sail a ship to Florida; all that needs to be done is to dig a canal through a half league of prairie…”

© John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation