Solon Springs in Douglas County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Brule-St. Croix Portage
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, August 15, 2012
1. Brule-St. Croix Portage Marker
Approximately one mile northeast of this point, a continental divide separates the watersheds of the Brule and St. Croix Rivers. The Brule flows north to Lake Superior and the St. Croix flows southerly to the Mississippi. A time worn trail connects the navigable portions of these two rivers.
Native Americans were the first to utilize this portage route. Later, voyagers, explorers, missionairies, traders and pioneers also followed it. The first documented use of this portage was in 1680, by Daniel Greysolon Sieur du Lhut, after whom the City of Duluth is named.
Because of its important role in early travel through the region, the portage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Preservation of the portage was initiated about 1930 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Today, it is within the boundaries of the Brule River State Forest.
Erected 1997 by Brule River State Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1680.
Location. 46° 22.896′ N, 91° 46.596′ W. Marker is in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, in Douglas County. It is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Duluth The Twin Ports and on the North Shore. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, in the Corn Belt, and on Lake Superiors South Shore Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, 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 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Brule St. Croix Portage (within shouting distance of this marker); BruleSt. Croix Portage (approx. 4.4 miles away); Antoine Gordon (approx. 9.4 miles away); Amick Settlement (approx. 9½ miles away); Evergreen Park Cottage Sanatorium (approx. 9.9 miles away); Major Richard Ira Bong (approx. 14 miles away); Major "Dick" Bong (approx. 14.1 miles away); Daniel Greysolon Sieur Dulhut (approx. 14.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Solon Springs.
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, August 15, 2012
2. Brule-St. Croix Portage Marker
Close up of inset map in upper left hand corner.
Photographed by Kim Van Elzen, October 3, 2009
3. Brule-St. Croix Portage Marker
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, August 15, 2012
4. Brule-St. Croix Portage Marker
Looking north along County Highway A.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2009, by Kim Van Elzen of Minong, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,732 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on October 20, 2009, by Kim Van Elzen of Minong, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on August 17, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
