1. The French Explorers
Illinois History

2. French Goals What They Do About It
Expand the fur trade
Find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean
Extend Catholicism
Send expeditions into the Illinois Country
First Marquette & Jolliet
Later LaSalle & Tonti
What They Do About It

3. Father Jacques Marquette
Our Major Players
Father Jacques Marquette
Catholic priest
Speaks Algonquin
Fur trader
Cartographer (Mapmaker)
Louis Jolliet

5. René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
Friend of the governor
Arrogant
Wants fame and fortune
LaSalle’s partner
Noted for bravery
Henri de Tonti

9. Modern reproduction of the Piasa Bird near Alton, Illinois
"While Skirting some rocks, which by Their height and length inspired awe, We saw upon one of them two painted monsters which at first made Us afraid, and upon Which the boldest savages dare not Long rest their eyes. They are as large As a calf; they have Horns on their heads Like those of a deer, a horrible look, red eyes, a beard Like a tiger's, a face somewhat like a man's, a body Covered with scales, and so Long A tail that it winds all around the Body, passing above the head and going back between the legs, ending in a Fish's tail. Green, red, and black are the three Colors composing the Picture. Moreover, these 2 monsters are so well painted that we cannot believe that any savage is their author; for good painters in France would find it difficult to reach that place Conveniently to paint them. Here is approximately The shape of these monsters, As we have faithfully Copied It."
Modern reproduction of the Piasa Bird near Alton, Illinois

10. Principal Events of LaSalle’s Journey
Griffon incident
Ft. Crevecoeur
Claims Louisiana
Ft. St. Louis
Returns to France for an army
Sails to Gulf of Mexico, goes off track