Aber 28/1920 PREFACE This little book has been prepared to meet the needs of schools for a short history of Wisconsin. It aims to tell the story of the state in its salient features, and to bring out the striking episodes which have lent picturesqueness to the earlier periods of our history and significance to the later developments when the commonwealth was in the making. It is not intended that the chapters dealing with the later development of the state shall serve as more than an introduction to these topics, which have been so fully treated in the special histories that have been published. The teacher of Wisconsin history should have at hand for reference the latest edition of the Blue Book and one of the more complete histories such as Thwaites' "Wisconsin," of the American Commonwealth series. The history of the state should always be kept in strict subordination to that of the United States, although we should not undervalue the trials and sacrifices made by the pioneers of the Badger Commonwealth. To understand and appreciate what these men and women did for us is an important step in the development in our young people of the ideals of citizenship that obtain in our Wisconsin. The basis of this book is "The Leading Events of Wisconsin History" written in 1898 by Henry E. Legler. The publications of the Wisconsin Historical Society and the many works of the late R. G. Thwaites have also been used constantly in verifying statements of fact. E. G. D. XIV. ENGLISH TRAVELERS IN WISCONSIN. XVII. WISCONSIN IN THE WAR OF 1812. XVIII. LIFE IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENTS. XIX. FROM FUR TRADING TO LEAD MINING. Our Wisconsin CHAPTER I WISCONSIN IN 1634 The story of Wisconsin begins with the visit of Jean Nicolet to the Indians at Green Bay in 1634. He was the first white man to set foot upon Wisconsin soil. To get a clear notion of what the early explorers and settlers had to overcome it is worth while to look at this region when "wilderness was king." We may go with the men and women who made the Badger state as they explore new territory and conquer the forces of nature. We may follow them on their weary journeys down unexplored streams, across almost impassable portages, and through trackless forests inhabited only by wild animals and the Indians. It is an interesting story and one that should make us take greater pride in our state. Location. The location of Wisconsin had much to do with its early discovery and thorough exploration. It is situated at the headwaters of the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. So narrow are the watersheds between the basins of these two great rivers that portage paths between them were early worn by the Indians and followed by the French. At one point, only three-quarters of a mile separates the Wisconsin River which rises near the northeastern boundary and empties into the Mississippi near the southwestern line, from the Fox which passes |