Jacques Marquette was a French explorer and missionary who was born in Laon, France in 1637. He was the son of a merchant and was educated at the Jesuit College of Laon. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1654 and was sent to New France (now Canada) in 1666.
Marquette was sent to the mission of Sault Ste. Marie, where he worked with the Native Americans. He learned their language and customs and was able to communicate with them. He also learned about the geography of the area and the routes of the fur trade.
In 1673, Marquette and Louis Jolliet were sent by the governor of New France to explore the Mississippi River. They traveled down the Wisconsin River and then the Mississippi River, reaching the Arkansas River. They then turned back, believing that the river emptied into the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1675, Marquette was sent to establish a mission at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. He was the first European to explore the area and he named it “Mission of the Immaculate Conception.” He also explored the area around Lake Michigan and the Illinois River.
In 1679, Marquette and Louis Hennepin were sent to explore the upper Mississippi River. They reached the mouth of the Missouri River and then returned to the Illinois River. They then traveled down the Illinois River and reached the Mississippi River.
Marquette died in 1675 while returning from his mission. He was buried on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Marquette's explorations were important in the development of the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. He also helped to open up the area to French settlement. His explorations also helped to map out the area and to establish trading routes.
Marquette's legacy lives on in the many places that are named after him, including the city of Marquette, Michigan and the Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is also remembered for his contributions to the exploration of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes region.
Marquette's explorations and his legacy are an important part of the history of the United States. He was a brave explorer and missionary who helped to open up the area to French settlement and to map out the area. His explorations also helped to establish trading routes and to develop the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. He is remembered for his courage and his contributions to the exploration of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes region.