This idea was to become a reality 200 years later with the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Louis Joliet conceived the idea of constructing a canal to connect the two waterways. The discovery of “Le Portage” was part of the impetus that led to Chicago becoming a center for world trade. Later known as the Chicago Portage, this small area became the “Gateway to the West” and was used by thousands of early settlers and traders traveling both east and west. The shortcut led to the Des Plaines River and caused the French travelers to discover “Le Portage.” This half-mile wide area of land connecting the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River, over which they could carry their canoes and supplies, was to become the discovery for which they would both become famous. To save time, the Potawatomi who were with them were encouraged to change their route to the Illinois River. With winter approaching, they headed north as quickly as possible. As they traveled into the Spanish-controlled area of Louisiana, they realized that the mighty Mississippi River drained into the already well-known Gulf of Mexico. In 1673 French Explorer Louis Joliet and Jesuit missionary Father Pierre Marquette left Green Bay, Wisconsin, by canoe in search of a western passage to the Pacific. Lyons was incorporated in 1888, though activity in the area dates back much further. ( April 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources.

Lyons township high school demographics