Villa Louis - Wisconsin Historical Society
Experience Victorian life during the 19th century as you visit the estate of one of Wisconsin's most prosperous families.
In the mid-1840s, the Dousman family began developing an estate on the banks of the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien that would evolve into Villa Louis.
The immaculately decorated mansion is one of the best restoration examples in the country. The mansion's collection of decorative arts is continually changing based on the current season or special event.
A visit includes a costumed interpreter-led tour of the house, Wisconsin's sole 1812 battlefield, the historic remains of the site's original structure, Fort Crawford, and a National Landmark fur trade museum.
Visit villalouis.org
Prairie du Chien – Journey Through Time
As the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien is bursting with rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Hosts Mariah Haberman and Eric Paulsen explore the historic sites, exciting events and natural beauty that allows Prairie du Chien to blend the past and present with ease. Mariah begins her journey with a tour of the dungeon at the Old Crawford County Jail before heading to the Fort Crawford Museum to check out its wide variety of exhibits. The crew gets in on the fun by dressing up in period costumes and taking an old time photo at The Local Oven in downtown Prairie du Chien.
Eric dives in to Prairie du Chien's fishing industry with an early morning fishing trip along the river with Mike Valley of Valley Fish & Cheese, where they reel in over 200 pounds of fish before Eric samples some of Mike's tasty catches at the shop. Prairie du Chien fully embraces its identity as a fishing community even throughout the winter with fun events like the annual ice fisheree on Gremore Lake and of course, the famous Droppin' of the Carp on New Year's Eve.
Mariah and Eric each check out a few of Prairie du Chien's iconic spots, including Pete's Hamburger's, which has been serving up delicious burgers for over a century, and St. Feriole Island, with its beautiful gardens and picturesque views of the river. Mariah visits Shiahata's orchard, and Eric joins in the action at Villa Louis during its annual War of 1812 reenactment before hopping aboard the Maiden Voyage tour boat for a scenic journey down the Mississippi River. With its incredible beauty, fascinating history and unique events, there are so many reasons to explore Prairie du Chien!
Prairie du Chien Wisconsin Villa Louis flooding May 8 2018
Flooding near the historic Villa Louis mansion in Prairie du Chien Wi. Was near moderate stage and many roads were impassable in the area
War of 1812 Battle of Prairie Du Chien at the Villa Louis in Wisconsin
This is the British Army, commanded by John Fenner, on Parade at the Prairie Du Chein War of 1812 reenactment in Wisconsin, 2007. This event is held annually in July and attracts living historians & spectators from Canada and the US. This is the only reenactment held on the original battlefield. Here are great researched examples of western theatre uniforms and regiments from the American War of 1812.
Villa Louis Carriage Classic
The Villa Louis Carriage Classic is a horse-drawn carriage competition held on the lawn of the Villa Louis Historic site each September. Held annually the weekend following Labor Day, it is one of the largest and most elegant carriage competitions in the United States.
Inside one of the buildings at Villa Louis
can't shoot video in the main building, but can everywhere else.
Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Tourist drives to famous Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark, located on St. Feriole Island at 521 North Villa Louis Road in picturesque Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821
Prairie du Chien, WI -- 2019
Carol, Jasper and I drive to Wisconsin to begin the next leg of our quest to visit all 50 states. Wisconsin is the 27th state that we have visited together. We start by visiting an undisclosed dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin and then drive to Prairie du Chien where we tour the historic Villa Louis.
Villa Louis
Hay sorry guys I'm posting this video for my mom, she doesn't have a YouTube account so I posted this video on mine for her.
Tim John at Historic Villa Louis
Join Tim John and discover the rich history of the Villa Louis Estate in Prarie De Chien, Wisconsin. The campaign trail continues to stop at some of our states greatest historic sites. Join the fun!
Villa Louis and Spook Cave
This is the first of 3 in the McGregor Iowa series.
This is, to be completely frank, not one of the more exciting of our home movies. This footage was taken during our summer vacation in July of 1976 (the Bicentennial year).
From Wikipedia:
The Villa Louis, also known as Dousman Mansion, is a National Historic Landmark located on St. Feriole island in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Today the site is restored to its appearance during the late 19th Century, when it was the estate of the prominent H. Louis Dousman family. At the center of the estate is the elegant Villa Louis mansion, designed by E. Townsend Mix and built in 1871. Earlier the estate had been home to Louis's father Hercules L. Dousman, and before that the land was occupied by Fort Crawford. Prior to this, in 1814, the Siege of Prairie du Chien was fought at the site by American and British troops hoping to control Fort Shelby during the War of 1812. Still farther back, the site was of importance to American Indian tribes, especially the Mound Builders, as is evidenced by the large mound upon which Fort Shelby, Fort Crawford, and the homes of Hercules and Louis Dousman have all stood. Currently the site is a historical museum operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Also from Wikipedia:
Spook Cave is a flooded cave located about seven miles west of McGregor, Iowa in rural Clayton County, Iowa. It is privately owned and is operated as a tourist attraction. One can take an escorted boat ride into the cave. The cave was first discovered in 1953 and opened for business in 1955.
There is a campground with full service for RVs.
The cave is in the drainage of Bloody Run Creek, a small tributary of the Upper Mississippi River. A lock and dam maintain water levels. Geologically, the cave is in the Driftless Area of Iowa, a region characterized by karst topography, caves, sinkholes disappearing streams, and cold springs.
Unfortunately, my parents only took footage of the grounds outside the cave and not in the cave itself. Yes, the grounds are pretty, but the cave is the real attraction. Guess you'll have to go there yourself and see what's in there.
Thanks so much to my parents and my brother, without whom I would not be able to share these treasured films with you.
The music used is When the Wind Blows by Kevin MacLeod.
Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin Part One
Wyalusing state park over-look of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. 2018. The city of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin can be seen in the background.
Eagles Heart and Cancer Telethon - Prairie du Chien, WI 1/28/2017
Eagles Heart and Cancer Telethon - Prairie du Chien, WI 1/28/2017
For the third year in a row, over $40,000 has been raised for heart disease and cancer research through the Heart and Cancer Telethon. For the 42nd year, the telethon has become a true community celebration. Though its organized by the Prairie du Chien Eagles Club, it’s the community that makes it an entertaining and heartfelt production. For more photos and information, visit eaglestelethon.org.
Wyalusing State Park, Homestead Campground
Wyalusing State Park sits on bluffs 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Within the park's 2,628 acres you will find hardwood forests, bluffs, springs, waterfalls, and spectacular vistas. You can see ancient Native American effigy mounds and imagine what the French explorers Marquette and Joliet thought about them as they became the first Europeans to set foot here in 1673. There are more than 23 miles of trails for hiking, biking and skiing. More than 100 bird species, including bald eagles, hawks, owls, and various waterfowl, can be observed during the spring and fall migrations. There are 109 family campsites, group tent campsites for 130 and a lodge/dormitory complex for 108 people. Nearby is the Villa Louis Victorian mansion. Across the river is the Effigy Mounds National Monument where you can observe 205 mounds considered as ceremonial and sacred sites by American Indian tribes. This video includes the Homestead campground. Music by Malignant Choir and Maury Smith, copyright 2008. Slideshow and photographs copyright 2008, Creative Juice LLC.
Wyalusing State Park
My Wisconsin Space
Around the Corner with John McGivern | Program | Prairie du Chien (#306)
[Latest Airdate: June 15, 2017]
[Original Airdate: February 13, 2014]
This is an old river town, so sometimes it's tough to sort the facts from the myths. Ghosts in old jails, fish that fall from the sky on New Year's Eve that people kiss, grannies who play basketball, and a man that makes jerky out of just about every creature he catches: Only in Prairie du Chien are those things facts.
Also facts: You can absorb late 19th century family life at Villa Louis, sympathize with the British and American soldiers who fought the only Wisconsin battle of the War of 1812, contemplate the lives of Native Americans by visiting the Indian Effigy Mounds, and then consider the history of the entire universe with the Starsplitters! After that, rejoin life in the early 21st century and eat, shop, quilt, play cards, gaze at the Mississippi, and go to Mass at the oldest Catholic parish in Wisconsin.
John Gurda told us that Prairie du Chien means field of the dog. Since John McGivern took Spanish in high school instead of French, he thought it meant a prairie of chins. See why we need John Gurda?
Episode #306
Around the Corner with John McGivern:
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ABOUT AROUND THE CORNER WITH JOHN MCGIVERN
Join Emmy Award-Winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in Wisconsin's unique communities. John has visited more than 100 communities so far, with no end in sight!
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Milwaukee PBS is an award-winning multimedia producer and broadcaster of exceptional and meaningful local and national content. Licensed to Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee PBS is one of the highest-rated PBS stations in the country. Our unique, independent position in the community makes us the ideal source of community engagement as a storyteller, conversation facilitator and advocate. No matter where you come from or where you make your home, we encourage you to bring your world and Milwaukee into focus as a member of the Milwaukee PBS community.
I Remember | Program | #1905 -- War of 1812
[Original Airdate: October 22, 2012]
In the United States, many considered it the Second War of Independence. Host Jim Peck looks back at the War of 1812 with guest Thomas P. Curtis II. Curtis is the president of the Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Wisconsin, and has a personal connection to the War that started 200 years ago. He is a descendent of General Major Morgan Lewis, who served during the War of 1812 as the Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army and commanded the Battle of Fort George.
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ABOUT I REMEMBER & I REMEMBER MILWAUKEE
For 21 years (1995-2016), I Remember hosted special guests who shared their personal stories and viewers got an intimate look at politicians, entrepreneurs, artists, educators and others as they recalled the great experiences and special moments, both large and small, of their lives.
ABOUT MILWAUKEE PBS
Milwaukee PBS is an award-winning multimedia producer and broadcaster of exceptional and meaningful local and national content. Licensed to Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee PBS is one of the highest-rated PBS stations in the country. Our unique, independent position in the community makes us the ideal source of community engagement as a storyteller, conversation facilitator and advocate. No matter where you come from or where you make your home, we encourage you to bring your world and Milwaukee into focus as a member of the Milwaukee PBS community.
War of 1812 re-enactment at Villa Louis
People can experience the battle of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield at Villa Louis Historic Site on July 16 and 17 as is it is re-enacted on the very ground it took place.
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
(Music and words from Abilene written by John D. Loudermilk and sung by George Hamilton IV. Hamilton's breakthrough hit was the 1961 song Before This Day Ends. His biggest hit came two years later with Abilene. The song spent four weeks in the number 1 spot on Billboard's country singles chart and reached the Top 20 of the Hot 100.
.Prairie du Chien is a city in and the county seat of Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 6,018 at the 2000 census.
Often referred to as Wisconsin's second oldest city, Prairie du Chien was established by French voyageurs in the late seventeenth century. The city is located near the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, a strategic point along the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi.
Early French visitors to the site found it occupied by a group of Fox Indians led by a chief whose name, Alim, meant Chien in French, or Dog in English. As a result, the French explorers named the location Prairie du Chien, French for Dog Prairie. Originally this name applied only to the plain upon which the settlement is located, but it was later extended to mean the city as well.
The first European visitors to reach Prairie du Chien were the French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, who reached the city by canoe on June 17, 1673, and discovered a route to the Mississippi River. Much further travel between French Canada and the Mississippi River passed through Prairie du Chien, although routes via the Illinois River were also used. In 1685, the French explorer Nicolas Perrot established a trading post in the area as part of the massive French fur trade industry. The Astor Fur Warehouse became an important building in the fur trade in Prairie du Chien. The significance of Prairie du Chien as a center of the fur trade did not diminish until the mid-nineteenth century.
In 1763, Great Britain defeated France in the French and Indian War, and took possession of the French territory in North America, including Prairie du Chien. The British expanded the fur trade during their occupation of the area. During the American Revolutionary War the city was used as meeting point for British troops and their Native American allies. After the Treaty of Paris (1783) granted the area to the new United States of America, the British and their Loyalists were slow to withdraw. Only after the War of 1812 did the city become fully American.
The U.S. was slow to present any authority over Prairie du Chien, but late in the War of 1812 when the U.S. realized the importance of holding the site to prevent British attacks from Canada, it began construction of Fort Shelby in 1814. In July, the fort was captured by British soldiers during the Battle of Prairie du Chien. The British maintained control over the city until the war's end in 1815. Not wanting another invasion through Prairie du Chien, the Americans constructed Fort Crawford in 1816. The fort was the site of the Treaty of Prairie du Chien (1825 and 1829).
In 1829, army doctor William Beaumont carried out many of his famous experiments on digestion in the hospital of Fort Crawford. Beaumont's discoveries are still the basis of our knowledge on the human digestive process.
Col. Zachary Taylor, who later became the 12th U.S. President, was the commanding officer at Fort Crawford during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Taylor oversaw the surrender of Black Hawk in Prairie du Chien. Lt. Jefferson Davis, who later became president of the Confederate States of America, was stationed at Fort Crawford at the same time. It was at this fort that Jefferson Davis met Zachary Taylor's daughter, Sarah Knoxie Taylor, whom he married in 1835.[2]
Outside the walls of the fort, early nineteenth century life in Prairie du Chien was still dominated by the fur trade. Prairie du Chien's most well-known traders during this time were Michel Brisbois, Joseph Rolette, Nathan Myrick, and Hercules L. Dousman. Dousman established a fortune in the fur trade, which combined with income from investments in land, steamboats, and railroads, propelled him to become the first millionaire in Wisconsin. Dousman died in 1868, and his son, H. Louis Dousman, inherited much of his fortune. In 1870 Louis Dousman used his inheritance to construct a luxurious Victorian mansion over the site of the former Fort Shelby. When Louis died unexpectedly in 1886, his family renamed the home Villa Louis in his memory. The Dousman family continued to occupy the home until 1913. Nearly 40 years later, in 1952, the mansion became Wisconsin's first state-operated historic site.
War of 1812 - Path Through History
North from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
Driving north from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin on the Great River Road. Saturday August 18, 2012