Happenings between the Fox and Wisconsin: Historical Analysis of Portage, Wisconsin.

Abstract

This article explores the town of Portage, Wisconsin's Native American history and the significance of the town as a historical site. Located between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, the town of Portage is home to many noteworthy events in Wisconsin's history. The site of the town also shares a history with many historically famous people. Portage is the site of Fort Winnebago and an Indian agency. These early people, constructions, and the construction's inhabitants, have shaped the town's history and the present people's historical consciousness.

In conclusion, the town of Portage does have a very unique and diverse history. Fueled by the fur trade, the site of the town was once the center of European, Native American, early American involvement. However, to this day, much of the town's historical identity is formed from the personal account of the Indian agent's wife, Juliette Kinzie. Her historic narrative, although interesting and inspiring, was misguided and created a mistakenly nostalgic historical identity.