Prairie du Chien in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
American Indians
Photographed by Gordon Govier, August 10, 2012
1. American Indians Marker
Woodland Indian people have been coming to the Mississippi River for thousands of years. Through their stories we know that they sculpted the earth into ceremonial mounds. Some of these mounds were used for burials, some depicted water spirits, animals, or birds. You are standing near one of these ancient mounds. Because of its age and sacred mystery, it should be treated with respect.
Prairie du Chien means Prairie of the Dog. It refers to a family or clan of Mesquakie Indians who once had villages near the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Wisconsin Indians often located their villages near water. Using canoes, they could trap and spear fish, gather wild rice, and transport supplies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 43° 3.399′ N, 91° 9.534′ W. Marker is in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. It can be reached from 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
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Villa Louis (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Gordon Govier, August 10, 2012
2. Indian mound on the grounds of 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 179 times since then and 32 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. • Can you help?
