History

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
Wisconsin's Second Oldest City

    In prehistoric times, water from melting glaciers cut a wide valley between the bluffs of the Mississippi River to form a broad flood plain. On it, French explorers, traders, and missionaries found a large and well-established Fox Indian village. The chief's name was Alim in Indian, Chien in French, and Dog in English.

    Jonathon Carver visited the village in 1766 and called it "Dog Plain" but the residents preferred the French "Prairie du Chien."

    Long before the coming of the white man, the prairie was neutral ground. Tribes at war elsewhere might meet here in safety as all were honor bound to refrain from any acts of hostility. The tribes would meet for various purposes, most often to trade and barter.

    Fur traders arrived to the area and had a depository at the south end of the prairie. In the early days of fur trading, more pelts were shipped from this area that from any other locality in the upper Mississippi River Valley. This is the start of what would become one of the largest and most active trading areas along the Mississippi River for many years.   

    Today, Prairie du Chien is still a center of trade for the surrounding area and a refuge for weary travelers. The area is rich in history and beauty. Those who visit or pass through most likely will return to enjoy the hospitality and bounty that is offered here.