Origins & Early Life

Jacques Marquette (French: [ʒak maʁkɛt]; June 1, 1637 – May 18, 1675), sometimes known as Père Marquette or James Marquette, was a French Jesuit missionary who founded Michigan's first European settlement, Sault Sainte Marie, and later founded Saint Ignace. In 1673, Marquette, along with Louis Jolliet, an explorer born near Quebec City, explored and mapped the northern portion of the Mississippi River Valley. Jacques Marquette was born in Laon, Kingdom of France, on June 1, 1637. He was the third child of the Marquette family which was well-respected, as numerous members of the family had served in the military or taken civil posts.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Marquette was sent to study at the Jesuit College in Reims at the age of nine. He remained there until he joined the Society of Jesus at age 17. Marquette taught for a year at Auxerre, then studied philosophy at Pont-à-Mousson until 1659. He taught at Pont-à-Mousson, Reims, Charleville, and Langres until 1665. Throughout this time, Marquette sent multiple requests to be sent on missionary work.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The superior of the Jesuit mission in New France, Father Jérôme Lalemant, needed missionaries to work with the Five Nations. Marquette was ordained...

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