Context

The plaque is inscribed: "Jean Baptiste Beaubien - On this site, then the lake shore, Jean Baptiste Beaubien, Chicago's second civilian, in 1817, built a mansion to which he brought his bride, Josette LaFramboise. It remained their home until 1845. - Erected by Chicago's Charter Jubilee - Authenticated by Chicago Historical Society - 1937." A fur trader, Jean Baptiste Beaubien (1787-1864) was born in Detroit and arrived in Chicago in 1812. The distinction of being “Chicago’s second civilian” is dubious, but must refer to the primacy given to John Kinzie, as it ignores the footprint of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable (before 1750-1818), whose presence in the area that was to become the city is noted by at least 1790. DuSable sold his homestead to Kinzie and left the area in 1800.