LASR.net Homepage




Menu

When Europeans began to explore the Illinois country, most of the Native Americans they met were members of the Illini tribe. The first of these explorers, in 1673, was a group led by Louis Joliet, a cartographer, and Pere (Father) Jacques Marquette, a french Jesuit missionary. Marquette and Joliet, accompanied by French voyageurs, paddled down the Mississippi River in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean. On the Mississippi Bluffs, they encountered something which has become a local legend: "we saw . . two painted monsters which at first made us afraid and upon which the boldest savages dare not long rest their eyes." They learned that the creature was part bird, with the face of a man, scales like a fish, horns like a deer, a long black tail. The creature was called Piasa. A representation of the Piasa Bird is still maintained in paint on the bluffs about twenty miles from Pere Marquette State Park.

Learning from the Native Americans that the Mississippi River emptied into the Gulf of Mexico, Marquette and Joliet turned back, returning by way of the Illinois River and stopping near what is now Pere Marquette State Park. A large stone cross east of the park entrance commemorates their historic landing here.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Pere Marquette Historic Site

When Europeans began to explore the Illinois country, most of the Native Americans they met were members of the Illini tribe. The first of these explorers, in 1673, was a group led by Louis Joliet, a cartographer, and Pere (Father)

Grafton, IL Historic Markers

Things to do near Grafton, IL

GMC Stadium

This 5,000-seat stadium has reserved box seats, lawn seats, party sites and a hot tub. It's home to the Gateway Grizzlies min...

Corner George Inn

The entire 150 year old German settlement is on the National Historic Register. Restoration includes a church from 186...

Bilbrey Farms

You can visit the animals (even a zebra), stay at the bed and breakfast, or have a party in the barn....

Armed Forces Museum

The Armed Forces Museum is dedicated to the preservation of military history from all branches of service for all eras. Th...