Superior, Lake

Area 31,800 square miles. Discovered by Étienne Brulé, in 1622. In the next quarter century the devoted Jesuit Fathers penetrated to the shores of the lake. Jogues and Raymbault preached the Faith at the outlet of the lake in 1641; Ménard attempted a mi ion on the south shore in 1661; and a few years later Allouez explored most of the same side. Radi on and Chouart penetrated to the western end of the lake and beyond in 1661; and Du Lhut covered much the same ground in 1678-1681. From that time, the shores of the lake became familiar ground to mi ionaries, explorers, and fur traders. Bib. : Kohl, Wanderings round Lake Superior ; Aga iz, Lake Superior ; Butter field, History of Brulé's Discoveries .