Wisconsin Genealogy

A history of the first settlement of Prairie du Chien, largely by Canadian French, will be found in a previous chapter. We here commence the narrative when the Americans began to settle very rapidly on “the prairie.” Hercules L. Dousman, who was of Canadian French origin, came to the village in 1826 or 1827, in the employ of the American Fur Company, and speedily rose to wealth and distinction. Some men who were stationed here in the military service of the United States made selection of eligible location within a short distance of the prairie, to which they returned after … Read more

The following societies are now (1884) represented in Prairie du Chien: Good Templars, St. Joseph Benevolent Society, Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Masonic and German Harugari. Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 16 Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 16 (Independent Order of Good Templars), was instituted by S. E. Farnham, special deputy G. M., Oct. 31, 1875, with a charter membership of sixty-six, of whom only two are, at this writing, members in good standing. The first officers were: Dr. John Conant, W. C. T.,; Mrs. J. Lovewell, W. V. T.; Rev. C. F. … Read more

The schools and colleges of Prairie du Chien are the pride of its people; and the high type of culture and refinement found among her citizens is but the outgrowth of these educational institutions. While this is a strong Roman Catholic city, both Catholics and Protestants work in harmony in supporting the public schools. The first school district formed here was what is known as district No. 1. This was created in 1842. The first school was taught in a private building by Miss Rice, afterward Mrs. Jerrad Warner. A schoolhouse was at once erected. This district took in what … Read more

The various plats of Prairie du Chien were filed for record as follows: Original plat, Sept. 11, 1837. This plat was purchased of Amable and Lenore Moreau, by Thomas P. Burnett, for $65. Lockwood’s addition, Dec. 26, 1840. Streets, additions, April 9, 1839. Power’s addition, Sept. 9, 1840. Beaumont’s addition, Oct. 31, 1842. Dousman’s addition, Nov. 16, 1842. E. Power’s addition, April 8, 1843. Parish’s addition, Dec. 5, 1855. J. Y. Smith’s addition Sept. 26, 1856. McGregor’s addition April 27, 1856. Clark’s addition, Dec. 22, 1855. Marsh’s addition, Sept. 1, 1856. Union plat by H. L. Dousman et al, Sept. … Read more

Prairie du Chien, which is the second oldest city in the State, justly claims to be the point at which has transpired the first of many important events of the past century, in the great northwest. Long before the introduction of our present system of railways, boats and ferries were employed at this point to transport men and their merchandise to the western shores of the Mississippi, that settlement might be effected on the vast and almost unlimited scope of fertile prairie lands beyond this great water course. Milwaukee, the metropolis of the State, owes its growth largely to the … Read more

This city, which is the county seat of Crawford county, is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi river, in the extreme southwestern part of the county, and is one of the oldest places in the State of Wisconsin, dating from 1781. Before the whites (who were Canadian French) first located on the Prairie, it was inhabited by the Fox Indians, who chief was named Dog (Chien in French); and it was from this it took its name, which was subsequently given to the village. Of all the charming city sites in the great and far-famed upper Mississippi valley, … Read more

Prairie du Chien can boast of one of the prettiest public parks in southern Wisconsin. It is located just south of Bluff Street, which is the main business thoroughfare of the city. Minnesota Street runs on the east, Wisconsin Street on the south, the grounds being in block 90 of the Union plat. The land embraced within this beautiful park was purchased of H. L. Dousman, Jr. The principal attraction of this spot is the fountain formed by the perpetual flow of the artesian well, situated within the enclosure of the park. A very neat and substantial fence encloses the … Read more

The first milling done at or near the city of Prairie du Chien, was the grinding of small grain, such as wheat, peas, barley and oats. Two or three farmers would unite in the construction of a horsepower mill. The buhrs were large stones cut from the granite rock, found about the city. The product of these mills was sifted by hand. The first regular grist-mill within the limits of the city of Prairie du Chien, was erected by Edward Pelton in 1847. This was a frame structure, except the engine room, which was built of brick. It was situated … Read more