For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
608-261-9596
[email protected]

June 25, 2019

Feel the Ground Shake from the Roar of Cannon Fire During the War of 1812: Battle of Prairie du Chien at Villa Louis Historic Site 

Prairie du Chien, Wis. – On July 13-14, the ground at the Villa Louis Historic Site will once again shake from the roar of cannons and rifle volley fire at the War of 1812: Battle of Prairie du Chien event.

“This annual event highlights an important turning point in Wisconsin’s history as the battle is re-enacted on the very grounds it took place on in 1814, over 200 years ago,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, southwest sites regional director for the Wisconsin Historical Society “Guests of all ages will be able to experience the true-to-life event through a variety of hands-on activities and re-creations.”

The event occurs on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Villa Louis Mansion and guests will observe War of 1812 living history enthusiasts set up American and British-Canadian encampments on the west lawn.  Learn about the British assault on U.S. Fort Shelby in a battle scenario at 2:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.  This narrated battle re-enactment will also include rifle and cannon fire.  Following the battle, tour the camps, learn more about military life in 1814, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.

The Villa Louis Mansion will be open for tours throughout the event, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.  Admission is $15.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 5-17, and under 4 years are free. Tickets can also be purchased ahead of time here. 

In addition to the battle and the encampments, admission includes a tour of the Villa Louis mansion, gardens, grounds and the Fur Trade Museum.  For more information, call 608-326-2721 or visit www.villalouis.org.

About Villa Louis

The historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments.  The mansion has finished a top-to-bottom documentary restoration that has returned the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit www.villalouis.org for a complete list of 2016 Programs & Events or call 608-326-2721 for more information.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

###