May 17, 2011

On this date in 1673, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette began mapping the Mississippi River, looking for stuff to name after themselves. Joliet found the city of Joliet, Illinois, and thought he had won. Turns out Marquette had found not only a city of his own, but also a University, a bunch of high schools, parks in several states, and a landmarked building in the center of Chicago. Marquette was declared winner, and Joliet was hanged for being a witch.

Apparently only witches have cities named after them before having universities named after them. Old law. Still on the books in Louisiana.