Indians were the first people to live in this region, as evidenced by artifacts from archaeological sites and the presence of burial mounds -- many of which survive today. European explorers and missionaries arrived in 1673. This area was first claimed by the French, then later by the British.

The U.S. gained control of the "Northwest Territory" in 1794, but many British traders maintained their lucrative posts until after the War of 1812. Many travelers stop and ponder this area's history at the 30-plus historical markers found along the byway, such as Fort Antoine, the Battle of Bad Ax, the War of 1812, etc. They also learn more at the Fur Trade Museum and Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien.

Archaic Cultures

As history hunters drive the byway, they may notice evidence of a culture very different from America's present culture. Thousands of mounds can be found throughout the area that display the culture of the Hopewell Indians who once lived here. The culture of this people evolved over the years and they began to establish large, permanent villages. Known as the Oneota people, they were able to farm the river valley using hoes mades from bison shoulder blades. The way of life these people developed can be seen in the many museums along the road that display tools and artwork of cultures of the past. By the time the first Europeans arrived, this culture had also dissappeared, replaced by a group of Sioux indians.

European Settlement

French missionary, Jacques Marquette and explorer, Louis Jolliet were the first to come through the area. They were searching for a waterway that would connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Later, French forts were established and commerce and trade between the European and native cultures ensued.

The area changed hands from the Indians to the French to the British and finally to the Americans but not without struggle. From the beginning, the Indians fought to retain their ancestral lands but to no avail. Settlement began in Wisconsin soon after the Black Hawk War between the Sauk Indians and American troops. In 1848, Wisconsin became a state.

A New Mississippi Culture

Wisconsin thrived as a state for lumbering and sawmills. Because the Mississippi flows through it, Wisconsin was in a good position for the steamboat industry to develop. Stories of the steamboats can still be heard today. Steamboat races and wrecks were as legendary then as they are today. Remnants of the new Mississippi culture can be seen along the Great River Road today.

Abandoned quarries and old building ruins are just some of the things travelers might spot to remind them of an earlier day. Although the cities and communities have grown and changed, Mississippi heritage still remains in the way the central location of these places is the Great River.