As the bustling metropolis of Chicago stands tall today, it is essential to know and recognize the extraordinary contributions of Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable. Born in 1745 to a French father and an enslaved African mother in present-day Haiti, he is widely acknowledged as the Founder of Chicago.
His entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership, and enduring legacy have left an indelible mark on the history of Chicago. Despite being overshadowed in history books, Du Sable’s story deserves to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Little is known about his early life, but historical records indicate that he likely spent time in the French colony of New Orleans before moving northward along the Mississippi River.
In the late 1770s, Du Sable established a trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River, situated near the shores of Lake Michigan. This strategic location was a convergence point for several Native American trails and waterways, making it an ideal hub for trade and commerce. Du Sable’s trading post provided essential goods and services to indigenous communities and European settlers, laying the foundation for what would later become the city of Chicago.
Du Sable’s trading post quickly gained prominence as a key trading hub, attracting a diverse population of traders, settlers, and indigenous peoples. He married a Native American woman, Kitihawa (also known as Catherine), with whom he had two children. Their union fostered cultural exchange and cooperation between different ethnic groups, further strengthening Du Sable’s position in the region.
Du Sable’s entrepreneurial acumen and diplomatic skills earned him the respect of both Native American tribes and European settlers. He managed to navigate the complexities of relationships in a region fraught with cultural differences, setting an example for future generations of Chicagoans. His trading post became the heart of the emerging settlement, and his business savvy paved the way for the city’s future economic growth.
In 1800, Du Sable sold his trading post and property to Jean Lalime, a Frenchman, and moved to St. Charles, Missouri. Although he left Chicago, his influence continued to reverberate through the region. The settlement he had founded would eventually grow into the vibrant city we recognize today.
For decades, Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable’s role as the founder of Chicago was overlooked and neglected in historical accounts. However, in the mid-20th century, his contributions began to receive the recognition they deserved. Historians and scholars, such as Milo M. Quaife, worked to shed light on Du Sable’s life and legacy.
In 1968, Chicago officially recognized Du Sable as the city’s founder, designating a prominent downtown park in his honor. The DuSable Museum of African American History, founded in 1961, also stands as a testament to his lasting impact and contributions.
Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable’s remarkable journey from a Haitian-born entrepreneur to the founder of one of America’s most iconic cities, Chicago, is a testament to his intellect and his innate vision. His entrepreneurial spirit and respect for diverse cultures created a strong foundation for a city that would grow into a global economic and cultural hub.
Today, as we marvel at the soaring skyscrapers and diverse communities of Chicago, let us not forget the man who laid the very first brick. Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable’s legacy should serve as an upliftment to Black pride and consciousness and be an inspiration to embrace diversity, foster cooperation, and celebrate the unsung heroes whose contributions have shaped our world for the better. He died on August 28, 1818.
In June 2021 the Chicago City Council voted to rename Lake Shore Drive in honor of Du Sable. Let us honor his memory by remembering his story and ensuring that it remains not only an integral part of Chicago’s rich history but a motivation to those so inclined to achieve their highest purpose.
