Journeys to the Land of Gray Gold

In the 1800s, many people flocked to the lead mining area from Europe for a variety of reasons. They were explorers, entrepreneurs, missionaries, prospectors, statesmen, and farmers. These travelers established businesses, towns and villages then witnessed statehood for Wisconsin. Most traveled the waterways in canoes until the steamboats became popular.Native tribes gradually moved south. Black Hawk's tribe (Sauk) settled around the juncture of the Mississippi River and the Rock River. Father Mazzuchelli and Preacher Kent were on missions to preach to natives and newcomers. The priest came from Italy unable to speak the language or understand the use of money. He traveled on toll roads to Ohio where he finished his studies. He began his work around Fort Mackinack, living among the natives before being assigned to the lead mining area. He established many parishes. Some of the friends he made there, met him again in Belmont Juliette Kinze accompanied her husband who was called "Silver Man" by the natives because he delivered their treaty money.James and Sarah Doty lived in Green Bay. An attorney, James traveled so much that he was able to help establish the Military Road which connected Prairie du Chien and Green Bay. Many of these pioneer's lives were disrupted for a short time when Black Hawk tried to regain his gardens.Like many folks in the British Isles, the March family emigrated to escape poor living conditions caused, in part by the decline in ore prices.