Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site
|
|
Historical marker at the site
|
|
| Location | Portage, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Area | 12.5 acres (5.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000074 |
| Added to NRHP | March 14, 1973 |
The Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site is a very important historical place in Portage, Wisconsin. It is famous for being a key connection point between two major river systems. This site helped people travel across North America for hundreds of years.
Contents
What is a Portage?
A "portage" is a place where people carry their boats and goods overland between two waterways. Imagine you are traveling by canoe on a river, but the river ends or gets too shallow. If there's another river nearby, you would carry your canoe and supplies to that new river. That's a portage!
The Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site is a two-mile stretch of land. It connects the upper Fox River to the Wisconsin River. The Wisconsin River then flows into the mighty Mississippi River. This connection was super important because it linked the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi River.
A Historic Travel Route
For many centuries, this portage was a busy highway. Before there were roads, trains, or cars, rivers were the main way to travel. The Fox-Wisconsin Portage allowed people to move easily between different parts of the continent.
Native American Pathways
Long before European explorers arrived, Native American tribes used this portage. They knew the land well and understood how to travel efficiently. The portage was a vital part of their trade routes and journeys. It helped them connect with other tribes and move goods across vast distances.
European Explorers and Traders
In the late 1600s, European explorers and fur traders discovered this route. Famous explorers like Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet used the portage in 1673. They were among the first Europeans to travel from the Great Lakes all the way to the Mississippi River using this path.
French fur traders also relied on the portage. They would carry valuable furs from the interior of North America to trading posts. Later, British soldiers used the portage for military movements. It was a strategic location for controlling trade and travel in the region.
Why This Site Matters Today
The Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site shows us how people traveled and traded long ago. It reminds us of the challenges and clever solutions of early travelers. The site is a physical link to the past, helping us understand the history of Wisconsin and North America.
Because of its great historical importance, the Fox-Wisconsin Portage Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as a special place that needs to be protected and remembered. It helps future generations learn about the amazing journeys that shaped our world.
