Jacques Marquette
(1637-75)
Traveling with his fellow adventurer Louis Jolliet, Father Jacques Marquette explored the upper Mississippi River and reported the first accurate data on its course. The story of the long and dangerous journey of Marquette and Jolliet is one of the most interesting chapters in the history of the exploration of the New World.
Jacques Marquette was born on June 1, 1637, in Laon, France. He was the sixth and youngest child of Nicolas and Rose Marquette a prominent in Laon from the 14th century.
By nature Marquette was a thoughtful, gentle person, and decided at the age of 17 to become a Jesuit priest. …
