Wolf's Point (1867) by Davis, GeorgeOriginal Source: Retrieved from the Library of Congress
Beaubiens in Chicago
Jean Baptiste Beaubien was Chicago’s second non-indigenous resident. In 1826, Mark Beaubien, his wife Monique, and their children joined his brother Jean Baptiste in Chicago. They established a tavern and inn, the Sauganash. The vote to incorporate Chicago was done there.
Moving to Lisle
In 1841, Mark traded the Sauganash for a tavern along a stagecoach line in Lisle.
Taverns were popular during the first half of the 1800s, a period of massive migration, new settlement, and rapid change in the Chicagoland area.
Plank Road reproduction display (1850) by Lisle Heritage Society volunteersThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
26 Miles from Chicago
The Tavern was a day’s journey from Chicago, making it a perfect stop. It cost a traveler .50¢ a night with a blanket.
Beaubien’s Tavern was unique as it was a gathering place for the new residents of Lisle, the Potawatomi people as well as people passing through.
Beaubien's Friend
The Beaubiens often hosted Shabbona, a Native American chief, who worked tirelessly to broker peace between European settlers and indigenous peoples.
In a 1916, Joesph Yackley stated, "the Indians went a good deal to Beaubien's; he was their friend."
Sketch of Beaubien Tavern (c. 1989) by The Lisle Park DistrictThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Family Style Meals
Meals were served at 7:30am, 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Popular dishes were buckwheat cake with maple molasses, eggnog, milk punch, lemon punch, mush and milk, pickled tripe, pigs feet, and pies. Wine, rum, brandy, whiskey, beers, and ciders were available as well.
Likely, it was Monique, his first wife, and Elizabeth, his second wife, doing most of the work. His many children, total of 23, probably participated in the work as well.
A Country Tavern (1820) by Krimmel, John Lewis (1786-1821)Original Source: Retrieved from the Library of Congress,
Not a Quiet Place
Mark was not known for being a businessman. He did know how to entertain. Mark was great at storytelling, playing his fiddle and hosting dances!
The Beaubien Tavern served as a public meeting place that was essential to rural communities like Lisle. Whether for parties, Beaubien's parties were infamous, or a space for political debates.
Tavern Layout (1989) by The Lisle Park DistrictThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Staying the Night
The Tavern had a tavern room for men to enjoy beverages and card games, a parlor for women and children to eat and drink. The second floor bedrooms served as a hotel for travelers to stay the night.
From 1841-1859, the Beaubiens operated the tavern offering food, drink, and accommodations to travelers.
Tap to explore
Take a moment to explore the Beaubien Tavern!
