Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable was born in San Marc, Haiti, in 1745. In 1764 Du Sable and his friend Jacques Clemorgan moved from Haiti to New Orleans. He met their future partner of a trading post in New Orleans, and later in what would become Peoria, Illinois. The young man Du Sable and Clemorgan met was Choctaw, a Native American from the Great Lakes. Du Sable, Clemorgan, and Choctaw later moved to Illinois. It was here that Du Sable and Clemorgan learned the skills they would use later at their trading post. They learned how to set traps and where to find martens. Pontiac asked Du Sable and Clemorgan to arrange a peace treaty between the Ottawa, Miami, and Illinois tribes. Du Sable eagerly arranged the meeting in order to restore peace between the tribes.
Achievements:
Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable had many achievements in his lifetime. He was known as the "Founder of Modern Chicago" because he established the first permanent residence in Chicago. He was Chicago's first black resident and he married an Indian. He had two children and build a farm by the Chicago River. He is also known for being a successful entrepreneur!!!
Timeline:
1730s – 1745: Jean-Baptiste Pointe duSable was born
1770s: duSable built his first house
1779: Arrived on Western Shores of Lake Michigan
1780- 1784: duSable managed the Pinery
1800s: Operated the first elaborate fur-trading post
1800: Left Chicago for Peoria, Illinois.
1813: Moved to St. Charles
1818: Died and buried in St. Borromeo Cemetery in St. Charles
1913: duSable Bill of Sale discovered by Milo M. Quaife
1934: duSable High School Opened
1988: Was recognized by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago as the Founder
1968: Tombstone made for his grave
1976: Home site listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark
1987: US Postage Service issued a Black Heritage Series, 22 cent stamp in his honor; duSable park announced by Mayor Harold Washington
2004: Film Festival organized by the duSable Heritage Association and a Haitian Classical Music Concert dedicated to Jean-Baptiste.
Embracing the Legacy (Contribution) / Activism:
duSable Heritage Association (DHA) is an affiliate of the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE), a 30-year old non-profit organization with seven chapters in the U.S. and Canada. DHA's mission is to promote the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Pointe duSable, the founder of Chicago, through cultural and educational activities. The DHA's main project was to work with the coalition for duSable Park and the Chicago Park District Steering Committee to build a park in Chicago named after duSable.
In 2004, DHA put together a film festival and a Haitian Classical Music Concert in dedication to Jean-Baptiste Pointe duSable. They also worked with the Lycée Français in Chicago to teach elementary students about the role of duSable in the settlement of the American Midwest.
duSable High School is a Bronzeville high school opened in 1934 in recognition of Jean-Baptiste Pointe duSable. duSable Museum of African American History was named in his honor on Chicago's South Side. duSable Harbor is in the heart of downtown Chicago along with the duSable Park that was announced in 1987 by the Mayor for being named after such a historical figure. Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable home site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. In recognition of his pioneering role, the US Postal Service issued a Black Heritage Series, 22 cent stamp in his honor in 1987.
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