Old Indian Agency House, Federal heritage site in Portage, Wisconsin, US.
The Old Indian Agency House is a residential building from the 1830s located in Portage, Wisconsin, with a front facade featuring symmetrical windows and a central doorway framed by wooden columns. Inside, period furnishings and room arrangements show how occupants lived and conducted their daily activities.
Built in 1832, the house served as both a residence and office for government agents overseeing relations between federal authorities and the Ho-Chunk Nation. This dual purpose made it a key location during a period of major change in the region.
The house reflects how Native Americans and European settlers interacted and lived side by side during the early 1800s. Visitors can see through the exhibits how daily life brought these two communities into contact.
The house opens for tours during the warmer months and visitors should expect guided experiences where staff explain the purpose and use of different rooms. It helps to check ahead for specific visiting days and tour times.
The house still stands in its original location near the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, where Native Americans had long used a crucial portage route connecting the two waterways. This location was no accident but a deliberate choice to remain connected with local communities.
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