Historic markers to be placed in Prairie du Chien
By Steve Van Kooten
The Wisconsin Historical Society announced eight separate collaborations with community groups to erect 12 historical markers throughout Wisconsin this year.
This past year, the Prairie du Chien Historical Society applied for two markers: one at 101 North Villa Louis Road for the house of Courtney Boudrie, an enslaved woman, and another for the Second Fort Crawford Hospital at 717 South Beaumont Road. The WHS approved both markers, with each one represented by a three-foot by two-foot sign.
“Since 1951, when the first marker was dedicated, the program has offered communities a unique opportunity to highlight the people, places and events that shaped their communities,” Mallory Hanson, statewide services coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society, said. “The addition of these new markers supports the Society’s efforts to represent the diverse stories, cultures and communities that make up the places we now call Wisconsin.”
The markers are made possible through grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a nonprofit that has donated money toward the historical markers program since 2021. There are currently more than 600 markers across the state of Wisconsin.
“We applaud its commitment to celebrate and raise up often little-known history that helps people more fully understand who they are and where they are from while inspiring where they want to go. As pride in place grows, community leadership grows with it.”
Prairie du Chien has a long, rich history, with many significant historical locations. The two markers will recognize two points integral to understanding what was happening in the area during the 19th century.
Boudrie was born into slavery in 1812, in Albermarle, Virginia. She served the family of John Garland, an officer in the U.S. Army, in several places, including Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien. In 1831, Garland sold her for $450, according to the application submitted to the Foundation by Prairie du Chien Historical Society Chair Chad Fradette. The sign language was written by Mary Elise Antoine, a Prairie du Chien native, author and member of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
In 1835, Boudrie won her freedom in St. Louis Circuit Court. She returned to Prairie du Chien, where she married Benjamin Boudrie. They built a house and ran a bakery. She remained in Prairie until approximately 1870. Boundrie’s marker will be placed adjacent to the Fire Association Shelter on St. Feriole Island.
For the Second Fort Crawford sign, the application says that approximately 200 slaves were held by officers at the fort between 1829 and 1856, which included Boudrie. The Fort Crawford marker will be placed at the Fort Crawford Hospital in Prairie du Chien.
According to the application, the historical markers will bring more attention to the histories of historically marginalized communities.
“Little is known by the public regarding the history of slavery in Prairie du Chien and former slaves who lived in the area. By telling the stories at significant sites, the public will become aware of this hidden history in our area.”
The Prairie du Chien Common Council unanimously approved the placement of Boudrie’s sign on St. Feriole Island at their Feb. 4 board meeting.
According to a memo from Prairie du Chien Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Mike Wallace, Marty Antoine, a member of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society, attended the Jan. 15 Park Board meeting to discuss the placement of the historical marker for Boudrie. The proposed location would be off of Villa Louis Road, south of the Fire Association Shelter.
The Park Board approved the marker’s placement that night, pushing it to the Public Works Committee.
Alderperson Kayla Ingham said the Public Works approved the marker location earlier on Feb. 4.
“We indicated that it must be 10 feet from Villa Louis Road and from Blackhawk Avenue—the intersection—so it’s out of the right of way,” she said.
Installation for both markers is expected to take place this summer.
