The Ecological History of Oshkosh (Week 1)
The Ecological History of Oshkosh
Botany 450: Week 1
Grace VanDerhei
Prior to the arrival of the first white settlers, the area known today as Oshkosh was home to the Ho-Chunk tribe (Wisconsin Historical Society). The Ho-Chunk tribe-- also known by their English name, Winnebago, meaning "people of the dirty water"-- relied heavily on agricultural yield for subsistence, as compared to hunting (MPM). As such, agricultural land-use of this area was significant during pre-European years with crops such as corn and beans having particular importance in the Ho-Chunk diet. Still, the tribe did take advantage of the various freshwater bodies located n the area. The Fox and Wisconsin Rivers provided the Ho-Chunk people pathways to hunt diverse areas; similarly, the rivers and various nearby lakes-- including Lake Winnebago-- were resources for fish (MPM). Additionally, the Menominee tribe co-inhabited the Fox river valley. According to Chequamegon History, the Menominee tribe did not exist in large numbers, nor were they warlike in nature. Nevertheless, the Menomonee did rely more on methods other than agriculture for nutritional requirements, as compared to the Ho-Chunks. The Ho-Chunks and Menominee tribes lived in this area for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans.
The first Europeans arrived in this area in 1634 when Jean Nicolet and other french traders "discovered" the land. Subsequent years saw the decline in Native people as inter-tribe warfare, starvation, and disease plagued the tribes.
By the year 1863, Webster Stanley had settled into the Oshkosh area; within several months, Stanley had established a trading post, tavern, and inn in the area (Wisconsin Historical Society). By the year 1840, many people had colonized in the urbanized area.
Due to the access to the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, as well as several lakes and nutrient-rich soils, the lumber and gristmills were a large influence on the history of Oshkosh. Morris Firman operated the first sawmill in Oshkosh, which quickly expanded along the length of the Fox River. In response to the Civil War, railroads, and Chicago fire, the lumber industry boomed (VisitOshkosh).
Unfortunately, the city of Oshkosh experienced two destructive fires in 1874 and 1875, which ultimately lead to the creation of the manufacturing/industrial era of the city's history (Oshkosh B'Gosh, Oshkosh Truck, Grand Opera House).
Today, Oshkosh is very urbanized, with modern infrastructure characterizing majority of the city's terrain. Still, 54% of the city is classified as "Prime Farmland" and various water and other natural resources are maintained (City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan). For reference, the city has a population near 67,000 people.
Oshkosh's natural history still effects the modern-day landscape. For example, the area, which was once dominated by lush vegetation, has little flora as compared to historical terrains. Also, the waterways which permitted the establishments of European civilizations are currently polluted by years of human exploitation. Additionally, invasive and other non-native species thrive in the water, particularly zebra mussels and lake-flies. Lastly, socioeconomic disparities persist in the older and newer divisions of the city, which is indirectly linked to the industrial changes of land-use.
https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/CP/draft/8_ANCROshkoshDRAFT09-18.pdf
ReplyDeletehttps://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2390
https://www.visitoshkosh.com/about/about-oshkosh/history/#:~:text=In%201847%2C%20Morris%20Firman%20began,boom%20in%20Oshkosh's%20lumber%20trade.
https://www.mpm.edu/
Here are my sources! My apologizes for publishing before I could add them in the original post!
DeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteIt was so interesting to read about the history of Oshkosh. I think what stood out to me is the fact that even prior to European settlement, the land has always been utilized for agriculture. I also think it is neat how much information you gathered about the land prior to European arrival—I found much less readily available information about indigenous use for my hometown. I think it is super cool that not one but two groups of indigenous people originally settled the land! I wonder, have you ever gone to an Oshkosh farmers market and is it really good? Or perhaps you have some personal connection to farming yourself? The agricultural roots seem strong, and it is neat that they remain prevalent today. Great job!
Hi Grace! I'm not from Wisconsin, but French settlers were important to my hometown of Saint Paul too. Even the city name came from a French Catholic priest. Many of the lakes and towns around Minnesota also come from the languages of Native Americans. "Minnesota" comes from the Dakota peoples word "mnisota," which means "sky tinted water." I didn't know anything about Oshkosh before reading your post and I am impressed by how much information there is from pre-settler times.
ReplyDeleteHello Grace!
ReplyDeleteI found it super interesting to learn that the land use of the area was characterized by a disturbance, leading the lumber industry to transition into a more industrial era.
It is always interesting to learn more about the origins of many of Wisconsin's city names. Many of them have native origin yet when paired with the forced removal of them from this land it is interesting to think about how we still use their language, but do not honor their use of this land. I wonder what caused Ho-Chunk to call Oshkosh "The people of the dirty water", if it was due to the land and how they used it, or the actual conditions of the water itself.