Marquette Elementary School

Marquette School of Excellence is named in honor of Jacques Marquette (1637-1675). Marquette was appointed by the governor of New France to accompany Louis Joliet as chaplain and missionary on an expedition to find the Mississippi River. After his return from the Mississippi, Marquette decided to return to the Illini tribes to preach and found a mission. His explorations paved the way for future explorers and he was one of the first Europeans to live on land in what is now Chicago.