The Augustin Grignon Hotel
The only building in Butte des Morts on the National Register of Historic Places
About Us
The Butte des Morts Historical Preservation Society was started in 2014 by Joe and Patti Yana from Butte des Morts, and Randy Domer from Oshkosh. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate materials and information relating to the rich history of Butte des Morts, Wisconsin, which began in 1818 as a fur trading post founded by Augustin Grignon. We encourage anyone wanting to learn or share more about Butte des Morts to join us! We can be reached at BDMHPS@gmail.com.Society Fundraiser - Our Latest Book
Join us on a journey into the historical mystique of the little hamlet which is today called Butte des Morts. This small town on a hill with a panoramic view holds the lore and legends of the rugged pioneers who founded it. Fur traders like Augustin Grignon saw this strategic location as a gateway to regional trade. Learn about the hotels, taverns, and even a brewery that made Butte des Morts a bustling little town with its own school and church. The rise of the community and the grit of its founders and residents is a story of the American dream which became reality.
$15.95 + $.80 tax. ($16.75)
Shipping is $4.25. Each additional book + $1.50
Society Fundraiser - Our Historic Notecards
We've asked several local artists to sketch designs of historic Butte des Morts buildings, and we're offering their sketches as note cards. There are eight designs in total.
There are 8 cards in a pack for $5. You can order all 8 of one design or a variety package where you designate how many of each design you'd like. Shipping costs are $2.50 to mail one pack of 8 and $3.00 to mail two packs of 8.
Historic Sites and Event Photos
Klemp Brothers Service Station and John Klemp grocery
With the arrival of the automobile on the scene, Butte des Morts needed a business to service automobiles.
The White House
Built around the turn of the century as a saloon and currently has
The Hull House
Originally built by Lathrop W. Hull around 1856 who thought the beautiful Italian two-story Villa
Found in the wall
A discovery found in the Yana home, during a 1995 remodeling project.
Skeleton Bridge School
Named after the bridge that crosses the nearby Skeleton Creek
Society Kick-off
On Sunday, June 22, the Butte des Morts Historical Preservation Society (BDMHPS) held its kick-off event at
Plummer Cemetery
Some of the first settlers in this area are in this cemetery.
Bogk's Tavern
It was started by Joe and Etta Bogk in the early 1900s and
Tilly's Tavern
The first building at this location was a hotel built by Thomas Petford.
Former Butte des Morts School
This former Butte des Morts school house is located on what is now County Trunk S and Spiegelberg Road.
Butte des Morts - First County Seat in Winnebago County
On July 16, 1845, board commissioners met at the home of Webster Stanley where Robert Grignon presented a proposition
Grignon Trading Post
First Permanent Post in Winnebago County founded 1818 by Augustin Grignon & Jas. (Jacques Francois Xavier {James} ) Porlier.