Fond du Lac (Duluth) facts for kids
Fond du Lac is a neighborhood located in the city of Duluth, Minnesota, in the United States. It's a special place with a long history, found right where the Saint Louis River flows into Lake Superior.
Two important roads, State Highway 23 (also known as Evergreen Memorial Highway) and State Highway 210, help people get to and from Fond du Lac. State Highway 210 actually ends right here in the neighborhood.
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A Glimpse into Fond du Lac's Past
The name "Fond du Lac" comes from French, and it means "bottom of the lake." This name makes sense because of its location at the end of Lake Superior.
Early Settlements and Trading
For hundreds of years, from the 1500s to the 1800s, Fond du Lac was home to the Ojibwe people. They had a settlement here, living and thriving by the river.
In 1817, a company called the American Fur Company set up a trading post in Fond du Lac. A trading post was like a store where people could trade goods, especially animal furs, for other supplies. This post was very busy for 25 years. Later, in the 1830s, an Ojibwe mission was built here, which is why a nearby stream is called Mission Creek.
The American Fur Company's trading post was sold to the Missouri Fur Company in 1842. They kept the trading going for another six years.
Important Treaties and Growth
Fond du Lac was also the site where two important agreements, known as the Treaties of Fond du Lac, were signed. These treaties happened in 1826 and 1847 and were agreements between the United States government and Native American tribes.
In 1856, people started planning out a village in Fond du Lac, marking where streets and buildings would go. The village officially became a town in 1857. However, in 1895, the city of Duluth decided to make Fond du Lac a part of its own city. This process is called annexation.
Nearby Areas
Fond du Lac is surrounded by other communities. To its east, you'll find the neighborhood of Gary – New Duluth. To the north, it borders Midway Township.
