Historic Waterways—Six Hundred Miles of Canoeing Down the Rock, Fox, and Wisconsin Rivers Informative Summary

Overview:

This book details the author’s experiences canoeing down three historic rivers in the American Midwest: the Rock River, the Fox River (of Green Bay), and the Wisconsin River. Written in 1887, the book is a first-hand account of the journey, highlighting the beauty of the landscapes, the history of the rivers, and the people encountered along the way. The author provides a unique perspective on the changing nature of the region, as he observes the remnants of the fur trade and the effects of industrialization and railroad expansion.

Through his detailed descriptions, the author highlights the challenges and rewards of canoeing. He discusses the difficulties of navigating shallows, portaging around dams, and encountering barbed-wire fences. But he also expresses his awe at the natural beauty, the quiet solitude, and the friendly encounters that enrich the experience.

Key Findings:

• The changing landscape of the American Midwest: The book illustrates the impact of industrialization and railroad expansion on the region’s rivers and settlements.
• The legacy of the fur trade: The author details the importance of the fur trade in the region’s history and its lasting impact on the communities and their economies.
• The persistence of traditional ways of life: The book provides glimpses into the lives of farmers, fishermen, and other individuals whose livelihoods are still tied to the land and the waterways.
• The importance of historical context: The author weaves together the natural and historical elements of the region, offering a unique perspective on the past and present of the waterways.

Learning:

• The history of the American Midwest: The reader will learn about the early exploration and settlement of the region, the role of the fur trade, and the impact of the Black Hawk War on the Native American populations.
• The environmental impact of industrialization: The book highlights the consequences of deforestation, dam construction, and the rise of railroad transportation on the natural landscape.
• The diversity of rural life: The reader will learn about the different ways of life in small communities along the rivers, from farmers and fishermen to villagers and lock-keepers.
• The challenges and rewards of outdoor adventure: The book offers insight into the physical and mental demands of canoeing and the personal satisfaction it can provide.

Historical Context:

• The book was written in 1887, a period of significant industrialization and westward expansion in the United States.
• The railroads were rapidly expanding, transforming transportation and contributing to the decline of river trade.
• The fur trade was in decline, but its legacy was still evident in the region’s settlements and its impact on the Native American populations.
• The Black Hawk War (1832) had recently concluded, leaving a lasting impact on the region and its inhabitants.

Facts:

• The author traveled 600 miles by canoe during the summer of 1887.
• The Rock River has two sources: Lake Koshkonong and the four lakes at Madison, Wisconsin.
• The Fox River was explored by Jean Nicolet in 1634 and by Joliet and Marquette in 1673.
• The Wisconsin River was explored by Joliet and Marquette in 1673.
• The Rock River was a key route for Black Hawk and his followers during the Black Hawk War.
• The Winnebago tribe once inhabited the area around Fort Winnebago, which was built in 1828-29.
• Jefferson Davis, future president of the Confederate States of America, was a first lieutenant in the original garrison at Fort Winnebago.
• The Mascoutin tribe once lived near the Fox River, where Joliet and Marquette encountered them in 1673.
• The Mascoutin tribe was displaced by the Fox tribe and is now considered extinct.
• The “T. S. Chittenden” and the “Ellen Hardy” were the only boats navigating the upper Fox River in 1887.
• The Wolf River was wrongly considered a tributary of the Fox River because of a geographical mistake made by the Jesuit fathers.
• The village of Butte des Morts was founded on the site of an old Menomonee town and cemetery.
• The village of Marquette, Wisconsin, is a popular duck hunting spot.
• The Fox-Wisconsin river improvement project was intended to make the waterways navigable for large steam vessels.
• The Wisconsin River is notoriously difficult to navigate due to shifting sandbanks and currents.
• The Fox-Wisconsin river improvement project has been largely unsuccessful in making the waterways navigable for large vessels.
• The village of Dekorra, Wisconsin, was once the site of a shot tower.
• Black Hawk’s trail during his retreat from the Black Hawk War passed through the Wisconsin River area.
• Black Hawk was captured by the Winnebago tribe and died in captivity a few years later.
• The village of Prairie du Sac was once a major village for the Sac tribe.
• The village of Sauk City, Wisconsin, is home to a large and prosperous brewery.
• The town of Depere, Wisconsin, was originally called “Rapide des Peres” and was the site of St. Francis Xavier mission.
• The first white man to set foot on Wisconsin soil was Jean Nicolet in 1634.
• Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a major distribution point for the fur trade for over 100 years.

Statistics:

• The author traveled 600 miles by canoe during his journey.
• The Rock River is approximately 287 miles long.
• The Fox River (of Green Bay) is approximately 175 miles long.
• The Wisconsin River is approximately 145 miles long.
• The village of Montello, Wisconsin, has a population of about 1,000.
• The village of Marquette, Wisconsin, has a population of about 300.
• The town of Omro, Wisconsin, has a population of about 1,500.
• The city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has a population of about 22,000.
• The city of Neenah, Wisconsin, has a population of about 10,000.
• The city of Appleton, Wisconsin, has a population of about 15,000.
• The town of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has a population of about 5,000.
• The town of Depere, Wisconsin, has a population of about 5,000.
• The village of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, has a population of about 450.
• The village of Sauk City, Wisconsin, has a population of about 1,000.
• The village of Muscoda, Wisconsin, has a population of about 500.
• The village of Wauzeka, Wisconsin, has a population of about 500.
• The village of Port Andrew, Wisconsin, has a population of about 50.

Terms:

• Voyageur: A French-Canadian fur trader and guide.
• Engagé: An employee of a fur trading company.
• Courier de bois: A woods runner or messenger.
• Bourgeois: A fur trade manager or leader.
• Traut-line: A fishing line with multiple baited hooks.
• Live-box: A container used for transporting fish alive.
• Slough: A marshy area or swamp.
• Bayou: A creek or inlet, often marshy.
• Sprit-sail: A sail that extends forward of the mast.
• Keel: A structural element on the bottom of a boat that provides stability.

Examples:

• Black Hawk’s War: The author provides detailed descriptions of Black Hawk’s journey and his encounters with the Pottawattomie and Winnebago tribes, along with the battle of Wisconsin Heights.
• The Fur Trade: The author gives vivid descriptions of the fur trade era and its impact on the lives of Native Americans and European colonists, such as the stories of Augustin Grignon, James Porlier, and Eleazar Williams.
• The Village of Butte des Morts: The author provides a history of the village and its significance as a trading center during the fur trade era, including stories of the Grignon and Porlier families.
• The Mascoutin Tribe: The author details the history and disappearance of the Mascoutin tribe, highlighting their once prominent position in the region.
• The Fox-Wisconsin River Improvement Project: The author examines the government’s efforts to make the waterways navigable for large vessels and the reasons for their failure.
• The Town of Dekorra: The author describes the town’s former importance as a center for lead mining and the production of shot.
• The Village of Prairie du Sac: The author recounts the village’s history as a Sac village and its role in the Black Hawk War.
• The Village of Port Andrew: The author provides a glimpse into the village’s decline and the effects of the decline of the lumber trade.
• The Village of Boydtown: The author details the friendly encounter with a family in a small village and their simple way of life.
• The Village of Wauzeka: The author discusses the town’s unique features, such as the spouting well and the lively saloon culture.

Conclusion:

“Historic Waterways” is a fascinating and informative journey through the history and natural beauty of the American Midwest. Through his firsthand observations, the author captures the changing landscape of the region, the legacy of the fur trade, the persistence of traditional ways of life, and the challenges and rewards of outdoor adventure. The reader will learn about the early exploration and settlement of the region, the impact of industrialization and railroad expansion, and the enduring spirit of the communities that call this area home. This book is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and appreciating the natural world around us.

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