Did you know that Chicago was founded by a black man? As much as Chicago leaders boast and brag about the Windy City and all of its accolades, this fact is kept under wraps.
Jean Baptiste DuSable was the first settler in Chicago in the late 1770s. Not much is known about his early life prior to 1745, but what is known is that he was a successful business man. His home was located along Chicago River where the Wrigley building sits today. Also, his home was considered the first mansion in this city (Chicago’s Mansions by John Graf).
This man was amazing but you would never know unless you looked him up yourself. Or, you can read about him in Toure Muhammad’s book, Chicago’s Self-Made Black Business Pioneers: Social Entrepreneurs Everyone Should Know About. Information is also available at DuSable Heritage Association.
DuSable Museum
Did you know that the DuSable Museum of African American History was named after Chicago’s first settler? There is a statue in his likeness in the lobby of the museum.
DuSable Museum was the first African American museum in the United States and Chicago. Founded by teacher and art historian Dr. Margaret Burroughs, this institution was opened in 1961 to share, preserve and educate people on the accomplishments of African Americans, as well as their contributions to American history.
You can visit DuSable year round, not just Black History Month. The annual membership is the best value.
How About You?
Did you know that Chicago was founded by a black man?
Know of any other resources about Jean Baptiste DuSable?
Image: www.egyptsearch.com
Hi Marcie, Yes, I did, but like a lot of us , I wouldn’t think of it, unless reminded by people like you! So, thanks for the reminder about this great man.
Clara.
You are one of the few people I’ve spoken to today, Clara, who know who DuSable is. And I’m glad I can plant seeds of Black History knowledge.
what’s missing is that he was also Haitian.
Thanks for reminding us of that important piece of information, Winie.
Also that he left his home under mysterious circumstances, and died in another city poor and living in someone else’s home. It is said that when he left his home, he had put up food for the winter and there were plans to build more rooms to his house.
Really? Thanks for adding to our little known black history fact about our city’s founder and first settler.