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Marquette Monument: A Tribute to a Frail Missionary

A historical landmark in Chicago's Heart of Chicago, commemorating Father Jacques Marquette's exploration and impact on the Great Lakes region.

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The Marquette Monument stands as a tribute to Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and explorer who significantly impacted the exploration of North America. Located on Damen Avenue in Chicago's Heart of Chicago neighborhood, the monument commemorates Marquette's winter stay in the area during 1674-1675 and his contributions to understanding the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes basin.

A brief summary to Marquette Monument

  • 2618 S Damen Ave, Chicago, Heart of Chicago, Illinois, 60608, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby parks to fully enjoy the area.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions on the monument to learn more about Marquette's explorations.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Pink Line to the Damen station. From there, walk south on Damen Avenue for about 10 minutes (approximately 0.5 miles). The Marquette Monument will be on your right, located on the north side of the Damen Avenue Bridge. A single ride on the CTA Pink Line costs $2.50.

  • Ride-sharing

    From downtown Chicago, a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to the Marquette Monument will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes. Ask your driver to drop you off at the intersection of Damen Avenue and 26th Street.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Pilsen neighborhood, you can walk to the Marquette Monument. From the National Museum of Mexican Art, head east on 18th Street, then turn north onto Damen Avenue. Continue walking north for approximately 1 mile. The Marquette Monument will be on your left, located on the north side of the Damen Avenue Bridge.

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Discover more about Marquette Monument

The Marquette Monument, found on the north side of the Damen Avenue Bridge, honors Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and explorer. Erected in 1930, the monument marks the site where Marquette spent the winter of 1674-1675 during his mission to the Illinois Indians. The monument features a bronze plaque with art deco ornamental flourishes, designed by E.P. Seidel based on a sketch by Thomas A. O'Shaughnessy. The inscription on the plaque highlights Marquette's journal, which brought attention to the soil, climate, and transportation advantages of the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes basin. While the monument celebrates Marquette's explorations, it's important to acknowledge that his journey, along with French explorer Louis Jolliet, was made possible by the knowledge and guidance of Native people. Odawa people provided maps, Myaamia guides led them to the Mississippi River, and Kaskaskia guides guided them back through the Chicago portage. Despite this crucial support, historical depictions often portray Marquette leading the journey while Native guides are shown in subservient positions, perpetuating a false narrative. The monument is located in a vibrant community, offering visitors the chance to explore nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops that celebrate the local culture.

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