Prairie du Chien in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Country Estate
Photographed by Gordon Govier, August 10, 2012
1. A Country Estate Marker
In the 1890's the Dousman Family made Villa Louis their summer house. The estate included a large house, office, guest cottage, horse stable, and many outbuildings.
The grounds surrounding their residence were beautified with flowerbeds, specimen trees, winding paths, a grotto and a small gazebo. Visitors were entertained with games of croquet, tennis, and golf, boat rides, and picnics in the country.
A well was drilled to create a fountain and a fishpond. With a source 375 foot deep, the artesian well water is full of minerals. The Cousmans believed this water was healthful. They served it to their guests and even used it to water their horses.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Natural Resources • Sports.
Location. 43° 3.368′ N, 91° 9.485′ W. Marker is in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. It is on North Villa Louis Road north of Bolvin Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien WI 53821, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, in the Corn Belt, in the Driftless Area Bluff Country, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, 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: Villa Louis (within shouting distance of this marker); American Indians (about 300 feet away, measured in a
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Villa Louis (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Gordon Govier, August 10, 2012
2. Artesian well at the Villa Louis
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2025, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2012, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. verification of the geocoordinates • A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
