Strategically placed on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has always been an important transportation and trading hub. Early Native American settlers discovered Chicago's rich resources, French missionaries and trappers found the Chicago River an excellent portage to the Des Plaines, Illinois, and Mississippi Rivers, and merchants used it to ship lumber and grain to the rest of the world. Maritime Chicago tells the story of this city situated on a great "inland sea." From the thrill of two lakefront World's Fairs, to the unbelievable sorrow of the Eastland, which went down just a few feet from the banks of the Chicago River, taking with it 800 souls, Chicago's maritime past bears witness to much triumph and tragedy, victory and defeat. Today, the 29 miles of lakefront, and the revived riverfront are vital parts of the economy and recreation of Chicago.