Dousman Hotel, National Historic Landmark in Prairie du Chien, United States
The Dousman Hotel is a three-story brick building located at Fisher Street and River Road, featuring arched window details and decorative brick work at its corners. The structure displays Romanesque Revival characteristics that give it a solid, imposing presence along the street.
The building was constructed in 1864 by the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad next to its depot, serving as a lodging place for rail travelers. After decades of use as a hotel, it transitioned to industrial purposes in the 20th century, eventually becoming recognized for its historical value.
The building is named after Hercules L. Dousman, a successful businessman whose ventures shaped the town's growth and prosperity. Today, locals and visitors connect this place to the era when wealthy merchants built grand structures to reflect their status.
The ground floor now operates as a restaurant and event space where visitors can experience the building's history while dining or attending gatherings. The location on Fisher Street and River Road makes it accessible for walking tours and easy to find among other downtown landmarks.
The building stands at a location where railroad and steamboat transportation once intersected, connecting to both forms of travel that shaped the region. This positioning at the crossroads of two major transport methods makes it an uncommon witness to a pivotal moment in how Americans moved between places.
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