The written history of the Illinois Indians began about 1640, when French explorers and missionaries expanded their field of operations from the St. Lawrence River into the Great Lakes region. The French were intrigued by vague reports of a large tribe--variously called the "Eriniouai," "Irinions," or "Aliniouek"--that lived seven days' journey west of Lake Michigan. It was not until 1666, however, that the French actually made contact with the Illinois face-to-face. This meeting, which occurred at a remote mission on the south shore of Lake Superior, began a long history of interaction between the French and the Illinois.

When and Where: Time line of Illinois Indian history