Archaeological evidence indicates that the first indigenous people entered into and settled on a sizable peninsula in eastern Wisconsin, now referred to as Door County, around 400 BCE. This habitation would continue until 1634, when Jean Nicolet, a french explorer seeking either a water route spanning North America or an alliance between France and the indigenous people of the region, became the first European to set foot in the county. Over the two centuries or so, white settlers only occasionally traveled to Door County, often on exploratory journeys or surveys. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the peninsula would see a massive influx of new settlers, establishing new towns and displacing the native people. During the ensuing two centuries, these white settlers erected the first permanent structures in the region, and some would establish themselves as significant contributors to the history of the county. While time and tide has buffeted against what has been built, much of this history still remains.
Over the years, the Door County Historical Society has bestowed upon numerous significant sites a series of plaques, each summarizing the history and significance of their respective memorial, structure, or geographic feature. Included in this list are lighthouses, memorials to significant figures, churches and chapels, and log cabins. Each one has been recognized because of its historical or communal significance on the local, county-wide, or state level, in addition to being representative of larger historic patterns.
Some of these sites are well known and others are not. In order to encourage more people to visit the latter, the DCHS has provided below a printable historic passport. Contained within are the names and addresses of many of Door County’s historic sites, as well as a small scavenger hunt. No glue, tape, or scissors are needed to assemble this passport; simply fold along the dotted lines (hamburger style and then hot-dog style!) in order to complete it. How many historical sites can you visit? Thank you for visiting Door County, and happy hunting!
-written by Daren Nerad, 2024