Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Portage des Sioux was of considerable importance during the War of 1812. An American military force was stationed here to intercept the enemy on their way to attack St. Louis. A blockhouse was built on the island directly downstream of the town. A fort was also located on the Mississippi River below town. This fort and site were washed away by high water in 1844.

On July 4, 1815, the war having closed, the Indians of nineteen different tribes which had been in hostility to the Americans, were invited to assemble in council at Portage des Sioux to treaty for peace. Among the tribes who signed the treaty were the Potawatomies, Piankeshaws, Sioux, Omahas, Kickapoos, Osages, Iowas, Kansas, and the party of the Sacs [Sauks] and Foxes. The treaty carries the signature of three white commissioners, William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition; Ninian Edwards, the governor of the territory of Illinois; and Auguste Chouteaux, a prominent figure in fur trade west of the Mississippi River. These treaties at last ended the War of 1812 in Missouri.

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