The True Founder of Chicago: Haitian Pioneer Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable – Volume 2

In The True Founder of Chicago – Volume 2, the story of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most powerful and overlooked revolutions in world history: the Haitian Revolution. This volume dives deep into the revolutionary era that shaped DuSable's identity—not only as a free man of color, but as a visionary pioneer who would go on to establish the first permanent settlement in what would become the city of Chicago. More than a biography, this book explores the global ripple effects of the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)—the only successful slave revolt in human history that led to the creation of an independent Black republic. Through richly detailed historical context, readers gain insight into how the struggles, triumphs, and ideals of freedom born in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) influenced DuSable and generations of African-descended people across the Americas. From the sugar plantations of Saint-Marc to the vibrant, multi-racial society of early New Orleans, Volume 2 connects the revolutionary spirit of Haiti with the foundational history of the United States—rewriting the narrative of who built America's great cities, and why it matters. This is not just the story of a founder—it's the story of a freedom fighter, entrepreneur, and cultural bridge between nations.