Grand Portage in Cook County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
From Slog to Grog
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 2024
1. From Slog to Grog Marker
Voyageurs who did not want to buy things at the North West Company store inside the Depot had another option or so it appeared. They could visit Boucher's Tavern, which once stood on the land before you. Operated by their fellow Frenchman, Jean Marie Boucher ("Booshay"), the small business stocked alcoholic beverages, tobacco, clothing, and other items desired by the voyageurs after their long treks. Though he appeared to be an independent trader, Boucher had an agreement with the North West Company. He kept one-third of the yearly profits and agreed to keep prices on par with those at the Depot store. The Company paid the wages and equipment for Boucher's clerk, who kept close account of the profits.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 47° 57.813′ N, 89° 40.992′ W. Marker is in Grand Portage, Minnesota, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of Mile Creek Road (County Road 17) and Upper Road (County Road 17), on the right when traveling
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Regionally, this marker is on Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, in the Arrowhead Region, in the Iron Range, and in the North Shore. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, in the Great North Woods, on Lake Superiors North Shore, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 20th-Century Grand Portage (a few steps from this marker); The Grand Portage (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guard the Gate (about 500 feet away); North West Company Fur Press (about 600 feet away);
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 2024
2. From Slog to Grog Marker
Looking south from Mile Creek Road; Grand Portage Bay is visible in the distant background.
Also see . . . Grand Portage as a Trading Post (National Park Service).
(By Bruce M. White) Excerpt: Boucher's trading post, 1798-1802, marked the eastern boundary of the area cleared of trees by the traders, especially those of the North West Company. While at Grand Portage Boucher would carry on commerce with the clerks and engagιs of the company, trading with them a variety of merchandise furnished by the North West Company in return for buffalo robes and moose skins and other furs that they may have been entitled to trade. Boucher was also allowed to sell goods on credit to company employees that would be charged against their accounts with the company. Any profits from the enterprise would be paid a third to Boucher.(Submitted on March 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
