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In 1825, before Wisconsin became a state, United States commissioners traveled to Prairie du Chien, the largest American settlement in the upper Mississippi River Valley, to meet in a "great council" and sign a treaty with the 10 tribes who were living in the area.
Almost 200 years later, half a mile from the treaty grounds on the island now known as St. Feriole, an exhibit highlighting the Treaty of Prairie du Chien will open in the Crawford County Administration Building.
James Otto Lewis, an artist sent by the United States to record the occasion, sketched the treaty grounds and some of the Native American participants. Copies of his work will be exhibited along with images of the commissioners. The exhibit will include a history of the event and biographies of some of the people who signed the treaty. Each of the tribes will be represented by objects made in the Native American tradition.
The exhibit was paid for with some of the money that the Ho-Chunk Nation gave to Crawford County in lieu of taxes for 80 acres that the Nation owns in the county.
The exhibit will open on Tuesday, June 19, at 11 a.m. on the first (ground) floor of the Administration Building, 225 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien. Mary Antoine, the historian who researched and designed the exhibit, will present background information. Government representatives and tribal representatives have been invited.
A light lunch, including Mississippi River fish, maple syrup, and other traditional foods, will be served after the presentation.
This permanent exhibit will be open to the public whenever the building is open, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.