Radisson-Groseilliers Fort
A crude structure of boughs of trees “layed acrosse, one upon an other” was erected near here by Pierre Radisson and Medart Groseilliers in 1659. The two French traders came to Chequamegon Bay from Montreal and Radisson's account of their journey reports “at the end of this bay we landed.”
This very profitable trip resulted in confiscation of their licenses and furs because they refused to share the proceeds with the French Governor of Canada. In anger Radisson and Groseilliers went to England and persuaded Prince Rupert to sponsor an expedition to Hudson Bay.
The return of Groseilliers with a great cargo of beaver skins was soon followed by the issue of a royal charter to the Hudson's Bay Company. Thus the dream of two adventurers for exploitation of northern North America was to contribute much to the long conflict between England and France for control of this continent.
Marker is at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive West (U.S. 2) and Turner Road, on the right when traveling west on Lake Shore Drive West.
Courtesy hmdb.org
