Prairie du Chien in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

War of 1812

Photographed By Gordon Govier, August 10, 2012

1. War of 1812 Marker

Inscription. Although Prairie du Chien belonged to the United States after the American Revolution, its pioneer residents were tied by trade, tradition and family to the French-British community at Mackinac and to the St. Lawrence River ports.

During the War of 1812, Gov. William Clark of Missouri recognized the strategic importance of Prairie du Chien's location, and sent about 150 soldiers to build a fort here. When it was dedicated June 19, 1814, the American flag was raised for the first time over a Wisconsin fort.

Pro-British residents alerted the British at Mackinac and a force of 150 militia and 400 Indians was quickly sent to Prairie du Chien. Fort Shelby was compelled to surrender on July 20 and was re-named Fort McKay by the British.

When the war ended, the British burned the fort and withdrew to Mackinac. The Americans began construction of another fort July 3, 1816, and named it Fort Crawford. This reconstructed blockhouse marks one corner of the first Fort Crawford.

Erected 1964 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 142.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1814.

Location.

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43° 3.426′ N, 91° 9.518′ W. Marker is in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. Marker can be reached from North Villa Louis Road north of Bolvin Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the grounds of Villa Louis Historic Site; admission required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 North Villa Louis Road, Prairie du Chien WI 53821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Villa Louis (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Crawford (approx. 0.4 miles away); Smoke stacks and paddle wheels (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Prairie du Chien (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pere Marquette and Sieur Jolliet (approx. 0.7 miles away); Jefferson Davis (approx. 0.9 miles away); L'ancien Cimetiere Francais (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du Chien.

Also see . . . The War of 1812 in Wisconsin. The Battle of Prairie du Chien: Historical Synopsis. (Submitted on October 24, 2009.)

Photographed By Gordon Govier, circa summer1966

2. War of 1812 Marker

Historical photo of the Historical Marker.

Photographed By Keith L, October 7, 2009

3. War of 1812 Marker

The marker is at the left side of the photo; the blockhouse is at the right side of the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,723 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2012, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on June 24, 2012, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on October 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.