History of Northern Wisconsin

Ashland County

Source: History of Northern Wisconsin: Containing an Account of Its Settlement, Growth, Development, and Resources, an Extensive Sketch of Its Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages, Their Improvements, Industries, Manufactories, Biographical Sketches, Portraits of Prominent Men and Early Settlers, Views of County Seats, Etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881.

pp. 63-64

APOSTLE ISLANDS.

Madeline Island, on which is located the village of La Pointe, contains the oldest settlement in northern Wisconsin; and, if we include the primitive races, goes back to the remotest ages. The Jesuits, including Father Marquette, located on this island in the latter part of the seventeenth century. After living here several years, they finally abandoned the place. In 1800, M. Cadotte, an old French trader, settled on the island, and erected fortified dwellings, the location now being known as the "old Fort." Here he lived the remainder of his life, and died July 8, 1837. At the commencement of the present century, the American Fur Company established its head-quarters here, on the south side of the island; but the harbor being a poor one, they removed across the island to the present village of La Point, in 1835. Warehouses and docks were built. Here poured in the trade of the surrounding country, and La Pointe saw its palmiest days. The company's buildings were afterwards burned, and the place abandoned. Indistinct traces of these ruins can yet be found near the Catholic cemetery. In 1830 the Rev. Sherman Hall established a mission here. It was afterward removed to Bad River. On July 28, 1835, the Rt. Rev. Frederick Baraga arrived on the island. He says: "I found some Canadians and Catholics who were in the service of the American Fur Company; also some half-breeds, who were civilized and had been baptized." Bishop Baraga partially completed a church by August 29. He then celebrated his first mass in the imperfect church. In order to secure funds for the completion of the edifice, he left for Europe September 29, 1836 and returned October 8, 1837, having received by contributions enough to finish the church, which was effected in August, 1838, and called St. Joseph's. It was dedicated September 27 of the same year. This building was demolished, and a new church built and dedicated, August 1, 1841. August 14, 1844, Bishop Henni arrived, and confirmed 122 Indians. Bishop Barraga continued here many years, going finally to Marquette, where he died. He was succeeded by Father Chebul, who remained for several years. Since his departure, services have been held mostly by missionaries.

Built into the wall of the present Catholic Church is an old structure supposed to have been erected 200 years ago. This supposition is erroneous, as the church dates but half a century back. In the present church is a painting, which is known to be 200 years old, but if one should judge by the canvas and nails, it might date back several hundred years.

On March 28, 1843, the first treaty on this island was made at La Pointe by Robert Stuart, United States Commissioner, with the Chippewa Indians, whereby they ceded all their lands in Michigan and Wisconsin to the Government, the Indians stipulating the right to hunt on these lands. By this treaty $75,000 were allowed to them by the Government for the satisfaction of debts to the white men. One of the largest items was some $27,000 to the Astors, then connected with the American Fur Company. In 1854, another treaty was made by Commissioners Gilbert and Harriman, when the Indian reservations were defined. At this time La Pointe Indian Agency was established. La Pointe, in its early days, was mostly governed by the American Fur Company. John W. Bell came here in 1835. The population at that time was about 2,000, composed of Indians, voyageurs, traders, and half-breeds. The only persons known to be living now, who were there at that time, are: John W. Bell, theophilus Remilliard, Ignace Roberdoux and Matilda Perinier. A dock was built in an early day, but is now in ruins. The village has a good school-house; but where once was a prosperous, busy little city, now only a few fishermen remain. The area of the island is 14,804 acres. La Pointe for a long time was the county seat of Ashland County, and the head center of the town of La Pointe, Ashland County. This town was vacated on June 17, 1879, and the territory added to the towns of Ashland and Butternut.

Basswood Island has an area of 1,980 acres, and is noted for its brown stone quarries, from which the stone was taken for the Milwaukee Court-house, Michigan Island, with an area of 1,556 acres, has a few farmers; a Government light-house stands on this island. Presque Island, area 10,054 acres, has good stone quarries; Outer Island, area 7,999 acres, has a Government light-house, Hemlock Island, area 1,340 acres; Oak Island, area 5,077 acres; Raspberry Island, area 224 acres, has a Government light-house; Willey's Island, area 350 acres, the fishermen have made some improvements; Rice Island, area 1,100 acres; Bear Island, area 1,824 acres; York Island, area 104 acres; Sand Island, area 2,868 acres; Steam-boat Isalnd, area 24 acres. The other islands are named Little Steamboat, Ironwood, Devil's, Wilson's, Gull, and Long Island, upon which is a light-house. These islands, twenty-two in number, contain good soil for all kinds of vegetables. Grain and fruits grow well. The islands are heavily wooded with almost every kind of timber natural to this latitude. Being surrounded by water, the soil is protected from early frosts. The Winters are somewhat warmer than on the mainland. The majority contain five undeveloped stone quarries. The greatest length of the islands is thirty-five miles, and the greatest breadth twenty miles.

pp. 63-64 Biographical Sketch of Hon. John W. Bell