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Historical Essay

Grignon, Augustin (1780-1860)

Fur Trader
Brief bio of Augustin Grignon, a fur trader who ran a gristmill and flour mill at Kaukauna.
Historical Essay

Fur Trade Factory System in Wisconsin

Brief history of the factory system (fur trade) in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Beaver Top Hat

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Top hat made from beaver felt and worn by Green Bay resident Morgan L. Martin, c. 1825. (Museum object #1968.644)
Historical Essay

Joseph Crelie, the Oldest Pioneer in Wisconsin

An Old Man's Tall Tale
Wisconsin pioneer Joseph Crelie was said to be 139 years old when he was exhibited to spectators in 1864. But how old was he really?
Historical Essay

The History of Wisconsin Winter Weather

Learn about the first extreme winters in Wisconsin suffered by explorers and settlers in the 17th through 19th centuries, with links to other articles
Historical Essay

The French Fur Trade in Wisconsin

When the Beaver was King
Discover how beavers transformed Wisconsin's economy in the 1650s for the next two centuries.
Historical Essay

The War of 1812

Wisconsin's Involvement with the war on the French, British and Natives
Learn how the British relinquished control of Wisconsin and Americans took over the region's fur trade during the war of 1812.

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