Oriole in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Father Jacques Marquette
1673-1973
On July 4, 1673, the seven-man expedition passed the mouth of the turbulent Missouri River and later observed the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi. Upon reaching an Arkansas Indian village near present Helena, July 17, they were certain that the Mississippi flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. Fearful of the Spanish if they continued southward, at this point Father Marquette and Joliet turned back.
A dedicated and gentle priest, Father Marquette first brought the word of God into the Mississippi Valley, gave the world an account of its lands and, with Joliet, laid the basis for France's claim to the area.
Born at Laon, France, June 1, 1637, Father Marquette died April 18, 1675, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan from the hardships of his missionary life.
Erected 1968 by The Missouri Marquette Tercentenary Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Exploration • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 18, 1675.
Location. 37° 27.865′ N, 89° 28.475′ W. Marker is in Oriole, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. Marker is at the intersection of Overlook Road and Hill Road, on the right when traveling north on Overlook Road. In Trail of Tears State Park off highway V. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson MO 63755, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bushyhead Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); All Veterans Past, Present, and Future (approx. 3.3 miles away in Illinois); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (approx. 4˝ miles away in Illinois); Scientific Mission (approx. 4˝ miles away in Illinois); Anna-Jonesboro (approx. 8.2 miles away in Illinois); Pfc. Richard Wilson (approx. 10˝ miles away); Cape Girardeau Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (approx. 10˝ miles away); The History of the 140th Infantry Regiment (approx. 10˝ miles away).
More about this marker. Marker is at the parking area at the end of Overlook Road, at the head of a short boardwalk trail leading to a Mississippi River overlook.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2012, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2012, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. 3. submitted on August 27, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 14, 2012, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.