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The Valley of the Lower Fox: historical, descriptive, picturesque
(1887)
Doty Island, p. [27]
Page [27]
DOTY ISLAND. The two outlets of Lake Winnebago, known as the Menasha and Neenah channels of the Fox River, unite in Little Lake Buttes des Morts, and form an island which is known as Doty Island. It was thus named in honor of James 1)uane Doty from circumstances already mentioned. The island is about one mile in its greatest width, and about one and one-half miles in its greatest length. Upon the cast is Lake Winnebago, on the west Little Lake Buttes des Morts, and the north and south boundaries are the two channels of the river. One half the island belongs to the city of Menasha which lies upon the north channel of the river, and the other half belongs to the city of Neenah which lies on the south channel of the river. It is a most delightful spot and its scenery is not surpassed in this country. It was originally heavily timbered with oak and hickory and the march of progress has hewn its way with a careful hand, and the forest has been disturbed only so far as has been necessary to use and beautify the space. This island was once the home of the \Vinnebagoes, a powerful tribe of Indians, from whom the lake derives its name. Here was their village and corn ground and here, too, was fought one of the most disastrous battles of the French and Indian wars. The following is the account of that battle as already published. The stronghold and principal village of the Sacs and Foxes was on the banks of the Little Buttes des Morts, below Doty Island. They were fortified by mounds and ditches, and attacked the traders in their passage up and down the river, from whom they demanded tribute. 'IThe boats were obliged to stop and comply with their extortionate exactions. So annoying had this become, that an expedition was fitted out against them under the command of Captain Moran in 1746. He proceeded with a large fleet of Durham boats and canoes, covered with oil cloth to conceal the cargo. When he neared the Indian Blockade he sent a land detachment to attack them in the rear. Wnen he came opposite the village, the Indians as usual signalled him to stop. Ile at once complied with the request, and when the boats approached the sh we the Indians throngecd the bank in great numbers, pre- paratory to boarding the boats, when to their surprise the oil cloth was thrown off, and several hundred armed men arose and poured into them a deadly discharge of musketry. The detachment that was formerly landed came up and cut off their retreat. More than a thousand warriors perished in this short and decisive battle." The burial place of those killed was marked by a large, high mound wvhich is still remembered. This circumstance gave the name of Little Lake Buttes des Morts, or place of the dead, to the lake. Bordering on the south channel and near Lake Winnebago ii the old Doty homestead, now "Rob- erts' Summer Resort." Nearly opposite Roberts' Resort is RIVERSIDE PARK, which extends back from the river and is bounded on the east and south by residence streets. The river at this point is quite broad and winds itself along in graceful curves until it reaches the Little Lake. Along the water's edge a driveway follows the winding course of the bank and affords a ch .rming view. This is one of the most attractive spots for excursionists in this whole region, and during the summer months there is scarcely a day that an excursion boat does not bring a load of pleasure seekers to en- joy its delightful shade and views. The city of Neenah has recently taken control of the park, and each year is increasing its beauty and attractiveness. AN HISTORIC SPOT. There is an historic spot in the grounds of lion. Aug. Ledyard Smith at Appleton. In the lawn at the head of a ravine which is crossed by a rustic bridge, as shown in the view which is given in this work, is a well nicely walled up and carefully guarded. In the midst of most magnificent grounds it
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