Jean Baptiste Point du Sable is often regarded as the first permanent resident and settler of Chicago. He was of African and French descent, born in St. Marc, Haiti around 1745. Du Sable initially settled in the region of Chicago in the 1770s, where he established a successful trading post and farm along the Chicago River.

Du Sable's trading post played a significant role in the early development of Chicago as a fur trading hub. He traded with indigenous peoples and European settlers, establishing strong relationships within the community. Du Sable's settlement eventually grew into a thriving multicultural community, making him a pivotal figure in the early history of Chicago.

Despite facing discrimination and hardship due to his mixed-race background, Du Sable became a respected and influential figure in the region. His legacy as the "Father of Chicago" and a pioneer of African American history in the Midwest is commemorated through various historical markers, monuments, and museums dedicated to his memory.