TIMELINE:

Key events in the history of Bourbonnais, Illinois -

• 1829–1832: Francois Bourbonnais, Sr., a French-Canadian fur trader, lived north of Bourbonnais Creek. He traded with the Potawatomi people and was named the namesake of the settlement (Bourbonnais Grove).
   
• 1834: French-Canadian fur trader Noel LeVasseur established a trading post in the settlement, which became a focal point for the community.
   
• 1837: A log schoolhouse was built in the settlement.
   
• 1847: George Letourneau, who would later become the first mayor of Bourbonnais, arrived in the settlement.
   
• 1853: The Illinois legislature formed Kankakee County out of the north part of Iroquois County and the south part of Will County which included north and south banks of the Kankakee River. Bourbonnais Grove became a part of Kankakee County.
   
• 1858: Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was built using limestone by residents.
   
• 1865: St. Viator College for boys was founded by the Viatorians as an academy for boys in 1865 and received a university charter from the state of Illinois in 1874
   
• 1875: Bourbonnais Grove was incorporated as the Village of Bourbonnais, with George R. LeTourneau as its first mayor.
   
• 2015: The Illinois State Legislature passed a resolution designating a portion of Interstate 57 as the French Canadian Heritage Corridor, which includes Bourbonnais

Bourbonnais, Illinois, founded in the 1830s, is rooted in French-Canadian heritage, thanks to settlers like Noel Le Vasseur, who encouraged Francophone migration to the area. Named after fur trader François Bourbonnais, the village grew as an agricultural community and was shaped by its Catholic traditions, with the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church as a cultural cornerstone. Originally inhabited by Potawatomi Native Americans, the area evolved into a thriving settlement blending French and American influences. Today, Bourbonnais celebrates its rich history while serving as a hub for education and culture, notably home to Olivet Nazarene University on the former site of t St. Viator College, a Catholic liberal arts institution founded in 1868 by the Clerics of St. Viator

This Episode of the Kankakee Podcast with Charles Balesi tells the story of the 1837 Log Schoolhouse that was uncovered in Bourbonnais back in 2011 when a building was being demolished on Main Street, which has recently undergone restoration. Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society Board Director, Dr. Charles Balesi, is the guest on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to walk us through the history of the log schoolhouse. 

Images of Bourbonnais by Vic Johnson is part of the Images of America series. It features historical photographs and stories that explore the rich heritage of Bourbonnais, Illinois. The book highlights the area's French-Canadian roots, cultural landmarks, and key figures that shaped the community.  You can find excerpts in the link below 

The Bourbonnais family, among the earliest settlers in Illinois, played a pivotal role in the development of the state’s French-Canadian heritage. François Bourbonnais Sr., a fur trader of French-Canadian descent, established a trading post along the Kankakee River in the early 1830s. This settlement, which later became known as Bourbonnais Grove, served as a hub for French-speaking settlers and voyageurs. By the mid-19th century, the area had grown into a thriving community, bolstered by the arrival of Catholic missionaries and institutions like the founding of St. George Parish. The family’s legacy is preserved in the town of Bourbonnais, which celebrates its rich French-Canadian roots to this day.

The Bourbonnais Grove Historical Marker commemorates the early French-Canadian settlement in Illinois, founded by François Bourbonnais Sr., a fur trader, in the 1830s. Located near the Kankakee River, Bourbonnais Grove became a key site for trade and a gathering place for French-speaking settlers and voyageurs. The marker highlights the community's cultural significance, its role in Illinois' early development, and its contributions to preserving French-Canadian heritage. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's rich history and the enduring legacy of its pioneers.

The Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society YouTube channel serves as a digital gateway to exploring the rich history of Bourbonnais and its surrounding areas. Through engaging videos, the channel highlights the stories of early French-Canadian settlers, local landmarks, and historical events that shaped the community. It also features educational content, interviews, and virtual tours, making the area's heritage accessible to a broader audience. The channel is a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the legacy of Bourbonnais Grove.  Below are several videos 

Dave King was born on March 1, 1959, and passed away on September 17, 2017, at the age of 58. A resident of Bradley, Illinois, he was a passionate musician and co-owner of King Music in Bradley. He founded the Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps and was deeply involved in preserving local history.  King's "Le Petit Canada Project" focused on the early French-Canadian settlement known as Le Petit Canada, located near Davis Creek in Bourbonnais and Rockville Townships, Kankakee County, Illinois. This settlement emerged in the late 1830s and had largely disappeared by the 1870s. Through his project, King had collected and shared information about this long-lost community, contributing valuable insights into the migration patterns and cultural heritage of French-Canadian settlers in the region.

The Durham-Perry Farmstead, located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, is a historic site that offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life on the grounds of the former Thomas Durham farm. This well-preserved farmstead includes a Greek Revival-style house built in the 1860s, a barn, and various outbuildings that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region. Originally owned by Thomas Durham and later the Perry family, the property showcases the evolution of farming practices and domestic life over time. Today, the farmstead is part of a public park and serves as a cultural and educational resource, featuring walking trails, interpretive signage, and community events. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of early settlers in Kankakee County.

French Canadians played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the Kankakee Valley. Beginning in the early 19th century, many French-speaking settlers, primarily from Quebec, migrated to the region, drawn by opportunities in fur trading, farming, and community building. Anchored by settlements like Bourbonnais Grove, they established a thriving cultural enclave, marked by their Catholic faith, French language, and traditions. Over time, their influence helped shape the valley's identity, leaving a lasting legacy of French-Canadian heritage that continues to be celebrated in the area today.

The French Canadian Interview Project, hosted by Kankakee Community College, is an initiative led by Dr. James F. Paul, Professor of History and Philosophy. Beginning in the fall of 2000, the project involved students collecting oral histories from local descendants of French-Canadian immigrants in Kankakee County. The website features transcribed interviews, biographies, family photographs, genealogical information, traditional recipes, and other resources that shed light on the French-Canadian influence in northeastern Illinois. This endeavor not only preserves valuable cultural narratives but also serves as an educational tool, connecting students and the broader community to their local history.

The French-Canadians Maps Resource page, hosted by Kankakee Community College, offers a collection of interactive and historical maps that trace the migration and settlement of French-Canadian communities in the Illinois Country and beyond. These maps provide valuable insights into the locations of early settlements, trade routes, and significant cultural sites, such as Bourbonnais Grove. This resource is a key tool for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in exploring the geographic legacy of French-Canadians in the region, offering a visual connection to their rich heritage.

Noel Levasseur (1799–1879) was a prominent French-Canadian fur trader, landowner, and early settler who played a pivotal role in the development of Bourbonnais, Illinois. Born in Quebec, Levasseur arrived in Illinois in the 1820s as a fur trader for the American Fur Company. Recognizing the area's potential, he acquired land in what would become Bourbonnais Grove and encouraged French-Canadian families to settle there, fostering the growth of a vibrant Francophone community.

St. Viator College, established in 1868 in Bourbonnais, Illinois, was founded by the Clerics of St. Viator, a Catholic religious order committed to education and missionary work. Named after St. Viator, the college served as a preparatory and liberal arts institution, educating young men for priesthood and leadership roles within the Catholic Church. Over the years, it gained a reputation for academic rigor and theological training, attracting students from across the region. However, financial difficulties during the Great Depression forced its closure in 1938. The campus was later acquired by Olivet Nazarene University, which built upon the foundation laid by St. Viator College to continue its legacy of education and community impact.  

It was also the home of Moise Joseph Marsile, Rev. M.J. Marsile, C.S.V., born on November 17, 1846, in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, was a prominent figure in Catholic education and a member of the Clerics of St. Viator. He entered the Viatorian novitiate in 1862 and professed his first vows in 1864. In 1871, he arrived at the newly founded St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where he pursued theological studies and was ordained a priest on October 30, 1875. In 1879, Fr. Marsile became the second president of St. Viator College, a position he held for 36 years. During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth, including the construction of Roy Memorial Chapel in 1889 and a gymnasium in 1902. After a devastating fire in 1906 destroyed much of the campus, Fr. Marsile led the reconstruction efforts, resulting in new, fireproof buildings. Beyond his administrative duties, he was known as a poet, author, playwright, and orator, deeply beloved by students and alumni. After retiring as president in 1907, he served as pastor of St. Mary's Church in Beaverville, Illinois, where he directed the construction of a notable church, and later as chaplain at Oak Park Hospital until 1930. Fr. Marsile returned to St. Viator College in his final years and passed away on March 10, 1933, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of education and faith.

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, traces its origins to 1907 when it was founded as a grammar school by Rev. J.L. Henson in Georgetown, Illinois. Originally named Illinois Holiness University, it relocated to Olivet, Illinois, in 1909 and became affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene in 1912, adopting its current name. After a devastating fire in 1939, the school moved to its present location on the former campus of St. Viator College, a Catholic institution operated by the Viatorian order from 1868 until its closure during the Great Depression. ONU built upon this legacy, expanding its facilities and programs over the decades, achieving accreditation in 1969, and evolving into a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university. With a commitment to academic excellence and faith-based education, ONU now serves thousands of students in over 100 areas of study, integrating its spiritual mission with a rich history of resilience and growth.

Notre Dame Academy in Bourbonnais, Illinois, is a private Catholic school dedicated to providing a faith-based education for students in preschool through eighth grade. Rooted in Catholic traditions, the academy focuses on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. With a strong emphasis on community, Notre Dame Academy fosters a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually and morally while embracing their faith. It is a cornerstone of Catholic education in the Bourbonnais area.

Charles Balesi is a French-American historian and author renowned for his work on the French presence in North America, particularly in the Midwest. His most notable work, The French in North America, 1500-1783, explores the influence of French explorers, settlers, and traders in shaping the cultural and historical landscapes of the United States and Canada. Balesi's research has been instrumental in highlighting the enduring legacy of French heritage in regions like Illinois and Louisiana, making significant contributions to the understanding of French-American history.

Dr. Jim Paul is a historian and professor at Kankakee Community College, specializing in history and philosophy. He is the founder of the French Canadian Interview Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the oral histories and cultural heritage of French-Canadian descendants in Kankakee County, Illinois. Through his work, Dr. Paul has significantly contributed to documenting the legacy of French-Canadian immigrants, fostering a deeper understanding of their influence on the region's history and culture.

Ken Ponton is an active member of both the Kankakee County and Bourbonnais Grove Historical Societies. He has contributed to preserving and promoting the French-Canadian heritage of the region. In 2015, Ponton spoke at the unveiling of the French-Canadian Heritage Corridor signs, which were installed along Interstate 57 to mark areas significant to French-Canadian pioneers in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.