 Exploration from the European explorers began with the Joliet-Marquette exploration along the Mississippi River.It was not until the 18th and 19th century when pioneer farmers began to settle in the area's inexpensive land along the Mississippi River and in the forested Shawnee hills with its one-hundred-foot trees.As early as 1810 William Boone and his indentured servant Peter mined coal from the banks along Big Muddy River.