Living With the Winnebagos

Accounts of the early days of Wisconsin by a notable pioneer woman

The author of this book, Juliette McGill Kinzie, was married to Indian Agent John Kinzie, and journeyed with him to take up his appointment at Fort Winnebago in 1830. Her narrative, which is the centrepiece in this unique Leonaur edition, covers her travels by steamer and keel boat to reach their new home. She thereafter recounts her many experiences among the Winnebago native American tribe during her four year residence in the Old West. In 1834, the couple returned to live in Chicago travelling, on horseback, through the wilderness over difficult terrain and frequently extreme weather conditions. That long and arduous journey is described in fascinating detail in these pages. Particularly noteworthy within Kinzie's text is an appended description of 'The Fort Dearborn Massacre' of 1812, to which Juliette's mother-in-law, witnessed from a boat. This authentic account of the attack by Potawatami warriors will be invaluable to all those interested in the early history of Illinois Territory and the city of Chicago. To add context to Mrs Kinzie's account, this volume also includes a brief history of Fort Winnebago with brief biographical details of those who lived, worked and served there, including the Kinzies. and an interesting account of the Winnebago War of 1827 which was fought shortly before the Kinzie's arrived in the region.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.