Green Bay in Brown County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Influence of the Fur Trade
Green Bay was home...
— Fox River Trail —
to many people for thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived. The rich waters of the bay attracted a number of American Indian Tribes - all members of a large and complex trading network stretching throughout North America.
Green Bay's first European visitors also wanted to trade, but they were only interested in one item: beaver furs. From the 1600s to the 1830s, no fashion accessory was more important for the well-dressed European man than a hat made from beaver fur. The desire for beaver pelts brought French and later British traders to Green Bay to buy beaver from American Indians for shipment back to European hatmakers.
At this location around 1745, a settlement developed around the home of the fur traders Augustin and Charles De Langlade. With close contact between the American Indian tribes and the Europeans, it was common for French traders to marry American Indian women.
Augustin's wife, Domitelle, had contacts with local tribes that made the family business a success. Biracial marriages resulted in the growth of what was known as a Metis society, of which Charles De Langlade was a member, being half-French and half-Ottawa. Charles became a prominent and influential settler, known for his bravery, diplomacy and success in the fur trade.
The imprint of early settlers on the land today is still visible in the shape of the land parcels, or French “long lots.” The narrow but deep lots run perpendicular to the water and stretch from Green Bay to the rapids in De Pere on both sides of the Fox River.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1745.
Location. 44° 30.696′ N, 88° 1.158′ W. Marker is in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in Brown County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Washington Street and Crooks Street. Located on the Fox River Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Green Bay WI 54301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James H. Flatley, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Augustin de Langlade (within shouting distance of this marker); Vice Admiral James H. Flatley Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Freimann Hotel Building (about 400 feet away); Milwaukee Road Depot (about 400 feet away); Milwaukee Road Passenger Depot (about 400 feet away); Packers Office Building (about 400 feet away); Elks Club (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green Bay.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Fox River Trail. (Submitted on June 27, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,017 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on June 27, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.