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Villa Louis

Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
County of Crawford.
Thrid and Bolvin Streets
National Register Number: 66000123
 Resource type: Site.
Property type: Domestic - single dwelling. The threat level was Satisfactory in
2004.
Certified Local Government: NO
This NHL offers public access.
Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: House Museum.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - October 9, 1960):
Hercules Louis Dousman I (1800-1868), prominent fur agent for the American Fur Company, advisor to the government on matters ranging from Indian affairs to land surveys, and owner of river steamboats and a proponent of the railroads, built a large brick Georgian style house here in 1843. In 1870, it was replaced by his son with this villa complex with outbuildings. The house stands on a mound--believed to be a Hopewell site--which was also the site of two early forts.

Condition:
The State Historical Society of Wisconsin is in the process of restoring the mansion to its 1890's appearance.


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