The frontier interpreter of French and Potawatomi heritage who founded the city of Davenport.
Antoine Le Claire, of French-Canadian and Potawatomi descent, was a skilled interpreter who spoke many languages and served at the treaty negotiations that opened eastern Iowa to settlement.
Granted land where the treaties were signed, he helped found the city of Davenport in 1836, donated ground for churches, railroads, and civic uses, and became one of the region's wealthiest and most influential early citizens.
Le Claire's land and generosity shaped the growth of the Quad Cities, and the town of Le Claire, Iowa, carries his name. His story reflects the mixed French, Native, and American frontier from which Iowa grew.
He is a foundational figure of eastern Iowa.
The frontier interpreter of French and Potawatomi heritage who founded the city of Davenport.
Antoine Le Claire was from Davenport, Iowa.
1797–1861.
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Portrait: Wikimedia Commons (public domain or freely licensed).