Jean Baptiste Point du Sable is widely regarded as the first permanent resident and founder of Chicago. Born in what is now Haiti around 1745, du Sable was of African and French descent. He arrived in the region that would become Chicago in the 1770s and established a prosperous trading post and farm near the mouth of the Chicago River.

Du Sable's trading activities played a significant role in the economic development of the area, and he is credited with laying the foundation for the city of Chicago. He also had a reputation for being fair and friendly with both Native Americans and European settlers, earning him the nickname "Father of Chicago."

Despite his contributions to the growth of the city, du Sable faced financial difficulties and was forced to sell his property in the 1800s. However, his legacy endured, and he is remembered as a trailblazer and pioneer in the history of Chicago and the United States. Du Sable's story serves as a testament to the often overlooked contributions of Black individuals to the development of American cities and communities.