As America waged a Revolution far to the east between 1775 and 1783, only its echoes reached the lands that would become Wisconsin. Life along the region’s rivers and forests continued mostly untouched, with First Nations communities trading furs with French-speaking voyageurs. On paper, the land became part of the Northwest Territory of the United States after the Revolution, but in practice British influence remained until the War of 1812 finally shifted control.

As the frontier opened, families with Revolutionary roots began moving westward. Many migrants carried personal memories of the struggle for independence—stories told by parents and grandparents who had stood with the Patriots or stories of their own experiences in the War of 1812. Motivated by the freedoms their families had fought to secure, these settlers became the backbone of early Wisconsin towns, shaping the region’s American identity as they created homes.

Among those who pushed into this new territory were the LeRoi family, who established themselves at le portage—the narrow, strategically valuable strip of land between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. Joseph, Francois, and other members of the LeRoi family provided essential assistance to the U.S. Army garrison stationed near the portage. Their cooperation helped ensure the smooth and friendly transfer of the LeRoi log cabin property into federal hands, marking their quiet but meaningful role in the unfolding story of the American frontier. In their own way, they embodied the spirit of patriotism that defined their era.

​In 2026, the 250th anniversary of American Independence is the basis for programming at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site. Historical interpreters will tell how the LeRoi family settled at the site after the Revolution and built their log cabin. They’ll also share stories of people at the portage and the Surgeons Quarters with connections to Revolutionary War Patriots. Visitors will encounter stories of resilience, conflict, failures, and triumphs centered on the people who lived at the portage and passed through the portage.

In 2023 and 2025, the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution received $10,000 grants to support the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site. 
 
Tom Hand, a former Wisconsin cheesemaker, retired and created Americana Corner and a Preserving America, a grant and giving program. According to Tom, “Americana Corner was created to preserve and share the story of America’s founding, fostering a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation of our nation’s history. To further this mission, the Preserving America Grant program was established as a philanthropic initiative supporting preservation, education, fundraising, and marketing efforts at historical sites focused on early American history. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in funding to hundreds of organizations nationwide, supporting a diverse range of projects that bring our nation’s past to life. The Preserving America program was created to empower historical organizations to preserve our nation’s story, engage communities, and build lasting sustainability through funding, mentorship, and collaboration. Because of our efforts, we further hope that the “love of country,” the Amor Patriae, will be rekindled in the hearts of Americans.”
 
In order to qualify, an organization must have the desire and ability to carry out one of the following objectives:

• Preserve –– Support the preservation and restoration of a site, structure, or object whose historical significance pre-dates 1876.
• Educate –– Support educational programs and interpretive initiatives that deepen public understanding of pre-1876 American history.
• Create –– Support strategies that increase visibility, reach, visitor engagement, community support, and fundraising capacity for historic sites and projects.

 
In 2023 and 2024, the $10,000 grant received by FWSQHS enabled volunteers and staff of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site to introduce over 400 students and their chaperones to the historic site, covering student tour fees, supplying take-home items for students, and in some cases, supporting busing for school visits.
 
In 2025, the $10,000 received in grant funds was used partially to support the flooring system replacement in the Garrison Schoolhouse located at the historic site. The remainder will carry forward into 2026 to enhance the visibility of the historic site with lighting, exhibits, enhanced website, communications, and electronic ticketing; as well as a signature event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. 
 
Americana Corner Grant funds have been an important part of FWSQHS programming and marketing for three years!
 
 
Preserving the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site (FWSQHS) has been a cherished part of the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSDAR) mission with support from donors and volunteers since 1939. WSDAR is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

​Submitted by: Sandra Snow