Which two French Jesuit missionaries founded Michigan’s first European settlement at Sault Sainte Marie?

The two French Jesuit missionaries who were the first Europeans to establish a settlement in Michigan at Sault Sainte Marie were Jacques Marquette and Gabriel Druillettes.

Jacques Marquette was born in Laon, France in 1637 to a family known for its civic and military services. He joined the Society of Jesus at the age of 17. After completing his religious and theological studies, the Jesuits assigned him to New France (modern day Canada) in 1666, to serve as a missionary to the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Although he initially arrived in Quebec and was assigned to Trois-Rivieres (Three Rivers), in 1668 his superiors moved him and a colleague missionary farther up the Saint Lawrence River in the western Great Lakes region. There he and Gabriel Druillettes (1610-1681), established a mission at Saulte Sainte Marie in present-day Michigan. To further his missionary efforts Marquette devoted his time to learning the local languages and became fluent in six different dialects.

Subsequently Marquette went farther to explore and map the northern portion of the Mississippi River Valley. He died on a return trip to Michigan at the age of 37.

Druillettes is sometimes called the “Apostle of Maine” based on his missionary service and years spent ministering to indigenous populations. He also was remarkable for his knowledge of the indigenous languages. His work among the First Nations peoples extended over a period of 38 years. He died at Quebec in 1681.