Near Odanah in Ashland County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
REMOVED
SEE LOCATION SECTION
The Bad River
Photographed By Rich Eggleston, July 11, 2006
1. The Bad River Marker
Inscription.
The Bad River. . The Mauvaise (Bad) River was so named by the French due to the difficulties of its navigation. The Indians called it Mushkeezeebi or Marsh River. In 1845 the Rev. L.H. Wheeler, Protestant missionary at La Pointe, planned an agricultural settlement near the mouth of the Bad River where the Indians had for many years made their gardens. He named the settlement “Odanah,” a Chippewa word meaning “village.” About 1850 a determined effort was begun to compel the Indians to move west of the Mississippi. Mr. Wheeler visited the lands to which it was proposed the Lake Superior Chippewa should go. He returned with the conviction it would be a deed of mercy for the government to shoot the Indians rather than send them to the new region. "They (the Chippewa) are fully determined not to go. They have lived two years without their payments, and find they do not starve or freeze." Mr. Wheeler's pleadings were not in vain. The government resumed the payments and his ideas of justice toward the Chippewa were substantially embodied in a treaty made with them in 1854 providing for them three reservations, at Odanah, at Lac Court Oreilles and at Lac du Flambeau.
The Mauvaise (Bad) River was so named by the French due to the difficulties of its navigation. The Indians called it Mushkeezeebi or Marsh River. In 1845 the Rev. L.H. Wheeler, Protestant missionary at La Pointe, planned an agricultural settlement near the mouth of the Bad River where the Indians had for many years made their gardens. He named the settlement “Odanah,” a Chippewa word meaning “village.” About 1850 a determined effort was begun to compel the Indians to move west of the Mississippi. Mr. Wheeler visited the lands to which it was proposed the Lake Superior Chippewa should go. He returned with the conviction it would be a deed of mercy for the government to shoot the Indians rather than send them to the new region. "They (the Chippewa) are fully determined not to go. They have lived two years without their payments, and find they do not starve or freeze." Mr. Wheeler's pleadings were not in vain. The government resumed the payments and his ideas of justice toward the Chippewa were substantially embodied in a treaty made with them in 1854 providing for them three reservations, at Odanah, at Lac Court Oreilles and at Lac du Flambeau.
Erected 1957 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 70.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 46° 36.712′ N, 90° 41.696′ W. Marker was near Odanah, Wisconsin, in Ashland County. Marker was at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Old Odanah Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 2. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Odanah WI 54861, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
The marker was removed prior to 2009 The support posts for the marker are still visible at this roadside pullout
Society on the request of the Bad River Band of Ojibwe.
Additional commentary. 1. Marker Removed The Wisconsin Historical Society, in their Official List of Wisconsin's State Historic Markers dated September 16, 2013, states "Marker Removed - Language Obsolete" for The Bad River marker. Images from Google Street View indicate that the marker was removed some time prior to September 2008; the support posts for the marker still remain as of October 2015.
— Submitted January 24, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2013, by Rich Eggleston of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,059 times since then and 138 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on March 7, 2013, by Rich Eggleston of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 31, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
