Fort Shelby/Fort McKay | Painting | Wisconsin Historical Society

Painting

Fort Shelby/Fort McKay

Fort Shelby/Fort McKay | Painting | Wisconsin Historical Society
British evacuation of their fort at Prairie du Chien after the end of the War of 1812. Fort Shelby, the first fort at Prairie du Chien, was built in 1814 by American troops commanded by William Clark and named in honor of the governor of Kentucky. Later, the Americans surrendered to a larger force of British soldiers and Native Americans who renamed it Fort McKay. When the Treaty of Ghent ended the war, the British commander, Andrew W. Bulger, was instrumental in persuading his Native American allies to abide by the treaty. Before departing in 1815 he burned Fort McKay to the ground. Here Bulger is seen saying farewell to the loyal Indians. Unfortunately, this watercolor by pioneer artist Peter Rindisbacher is pure fantasy, for he did not settle in Wisconsin until 1826. A better depiction is the sketch (at left) from Bulger's papers at the Public Archives of Canada.
DESCRIPTION
British evacuation of their fort at Prairie du Chien after the end of the War of 1812. Fort Shelby, the first fort at Prairie du Chien, was built in 1814 by American troops commanded by William Clark and named in honor of the governor of Kentucky. Later, the Americans surrendered to a larger force of British soldiers and Native Americans who renamed it Fort McKay. When the Treaty of Ghent ended the war, the British commander, Andrew W. Bulger, was instrumental in persuading his Native American allies to abide by the treaty. Before departing in 1815 he burned Fort McKay to the ground. Here Bulger is seen saying farewell to the loyal Indians. Unfortunately, this watercolor by pioneer artist Peter Rindisbacher is pure fantasy, for he did not settle in Wisconsin until 1826. A better depiction is the sketch (at left) from Bulger's papers at the Public Archives of Canada.
RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:42292
Creation Date: 1823
Creator Name:Rindisbacher, Peter
City:Prairie du Chien
County:Crawford
State:Wisconsin
Collection Name:Place File****
Genre:Painting
Original Format Type:prints, photomechanical
Original Format Number:PF Prairie du Chien.76
Original Dimensions:7 x 4 inches
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pen and watercolor by Peter Rindisbacher. Original in the Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth, Texas.
SUBJECTS
Trees
Clothing and dress
Hats
Dwellings
Fortification
Military uniforms
Officers
War of 1812
Weapons
Men
Flags
Indians of North America

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Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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