One hundred and eighty-six years ago today the contested Treaty of Prairie du Chien was contracted between the United States and the United Nations of Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawatamie Indians. With the cession of two large tracts of land in northern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin, the tribes were to receive sixteen thousand dollars and fifty barrels of salt, annually, forever as well as twelve thousand dollars in goods and supplies, various gifts, debt resolutions and the permanent use of a blacksmith establishment in Chicago. Additionally, fifteen individual tracts of land were reserved for specific headmen and their descendants, including Wabaunsee and Shabbona.
