Fort Crawford Museum

Tour several Prairie du Chien historic homes and structures in the “Court House Square” neighborhood.

History and music blend to tell the story of the Civil War and the U. S. Swift Army Hospital (1864-1865 — pictured at right) in Prairie du Chien, marking the opening of a new exhibit on the Swift Hospital. Program begins at the museum at 1:30 p.m.

2012 is the 180th Anniversary of the Black Hawk War. Native American music and storytelling are part of a program that relates the history of Black Hawk and his association with Prairie du Chien, including his surrender to Zachary Taylor, commandant of Fort Crawford. Program begins at the museum at 1:30 p.m.

A popular living history event. Historic interpreters present life in Prairie du Chien from the time of the fur trade through the Civil War with Native American storytelling, craft demonstrations, and musket and cannon firing. Event activities run from 9:00am to 3:00pm both Friday and Saturday. The museum remains open until 4:00pm.

Costumed interpreters present a guided tour of Prairie du Chien’s six historic cemeteries. The tour includes the Old French Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Wisconsin and the upper Mississippi Valley; continues to St. Gabriel’s Cemetery located behind the oldest church structure in Wisconsin built by Samuel Mazzuchelli; then to the Fort Crawford Cemetery, one of the smallest military cemeteries in the United States. The tour ends at the Brisbois Cemetery located atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The tour begins at 1 p.m. at the Fort Crawford Museum.

Lighted Christmas trees encircle the Fort Crawford Museum grounds. Open house December 8 with holiday cookie sale and shopping in the Museum Store.