Happy Birthday, Bourbonnais!

Did you know the Village of Bourbonnais was officially incorporated in 1875?! That's right! We are celebrating 150 years in 2025 (we're getting old)! Join the Village as we celebrate our Sesquicentennial with special events for residents throughout the year! Whether you're a newer resident or a lifelong resident, here are some key events in the history of our beautiful Bourbonnais origins.

Historic Timeline 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

Interested in getting involved and participating as a volunteer at an event this year? Contact our Marketing Department This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..