p. 395

Crawford Co.
416

Prairie du Chien is the seat of justice of the county and the only village of much size and importance in it, is situated on the Mississippi about four or five miles above the mouth of the Wisconsin, on a level plain or prairie about six miles long and two miles wide. This prairie is bordered on one side by the Mississippi and on the other by high rocky bluffs with scattered trees. The name was given from an Indian who formerly resided here called "The Dog". It is one of the oldest of the French settlements or trading posts; but the first permanent settlement was commenced in 1783. Fort Crawford is located here, near the south part of the "new town" or St. Priole, as it is sometimes called to distinguish it from the more ancient or "old town" which lies a mile and a half above, and is separated from it by an arm of the Mississippi called the "Grand Maris de St. Friole." Below the fort the "City of Prairie du Chien" has been laid out, but the city is [as yet] much smaller than the town. Prairie du Chien is about 540 miles above St. Louis.