Red Earthenware Jar Discovered Inside a Privy in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin that Appears to Have Originated on Long Island in the 1800s

According to the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Chamber of Congress, "Prairie du Chien's history was ushered on June 17, 1763, when Marquette and Jolliet came down the Wisconsin River and were the first Europeans to enter the upper Mississippi River. French Canadians engaged in the fur trade settled on the island by the river, and the fur trade made the first major economic impact on the settlement. 

Gradually the British took over much of the fur trade centered in Prairie du Chien. In the early 1800s the Americans asserted their presence with the building of Fort Shelby. During the War of 1812, the British and Americans skirmished for control of the fort and prairie. In July of 1814, the only battle of the war fought in Wisconsin happened here and is known as the The Battle of the Prairie du Chien, where the fort was burned.

In April 1857 the railroad came to Prairie du Chien and determined the economic and social life of the community for a century. The lower portion of the town grew as a boomtown around the depot while the upper portion grew around Main Street."

Nevertheless, archaeologists from the University of Wisconin-La Cross recently discovered this nineteenth century red earthenware jar in Prairie du Chien, which very much looks like some jars produced on Long Island in New York in the 1800s. This jar was reportedly recovered in several pieces while excavating a circa 1830s to 1840s brick lined privy on the island.

When I initially saw this jar and read where it was found, I had suspected that it may have traveled west along the railroad. Although, now knowing the entire story, it would seem that this jar probably  traveled a different route. But in spite of the facts, this is certainly an interesting artifact, seeing that it appears to have been manufactured on Long Island.

Red Earthenware Jar Discovered Inside a Privy in Prairie du Chien, WI

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Decorated with Some Manganese

Very Possibly Made on Long Island

Found by Archaeologists Inside a Privy in Prairie du Chien, WI

Recovered from Within a Circa 1830s to 1840s Archaeological Context

Stands 8 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: University of Wisconin-La Cross

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