Near Portage in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Marquette

Photographed by Keith L, September 2, 2007

1. Marquette Marker

Inscription. On June 14, 1673 Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet started the portage (1.28 miles) from here to the Wisconsin River, which led to their discovery of the Upper Mississippi June 17, 1673 at Prairie du Chien. The expedition, in two birch bark canoes, traveled south to the mouth of the Arkansas River and returned to St. Ignace, a trip of nearly 3000 miles. Thus a new era of exploration, settlement and commerce began for the Great Lakes region, the Mississippi Valley and the Far West. Stabilization of the fur trade followed and also the organization of numerous Indian tribes under French rule. Marquette, a talented Jesuit missionary, dedicated his life and energy ministering to the Indians. Born June 1, 1637 in Laon, France, he died near Ludington, Michigan May 18, 1675.

Erected 1957 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 63.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 18, 1853.

Location. 43° 33.294′ N, 89° 26.073′ W. Marker is

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near Portage, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. It is on State Highway 33 0.2 miles west of County Road F, on the left when traveling east. Marker is at a wayside next to the Fox River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portage WI 53901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Madison.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Winnebago (a few steps from this marker); Site of Fort Winnebago (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Winnebago Surgeons' Quarters (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Indian Agency House at Fort Winnebago (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Indian Agency House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Revolutionary War Veteran (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ketchum’s Point (approx. one mile away); Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portage.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Indian Agency House (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Jacques Marquette. “Contact with the Native Americans of Illinois led Marquette to plan a mission among them, and he became interested in the reports of a great south-running river.” (Submitted on September 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.)

Photographed by Keith L, September 2, 2007

2. Marquette Marker

Photographed by Greta Schassler, September 14, 2024

3. Marquette Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,812 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on September 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 16, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.