The Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board will consider recognition of Wisconsin Point for the state’s Register of Historic Places.
The board meets virtually at 9 a.m. Aug. 14 to consider 11 applications statewide for historic recognition, including the one for Wisconsin Point.
John Broihahn, state archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, said if the application is approved by the review board, it will be listed on the state registry the same day. Minor adjustments to the application would be made before forwarding the application to the National Park Service for consideration for the National Register of Historic Places.
Wisconsin Point was a campsite and burial place for Native Americans until the 20th century, when U.S. Steel had a plan to build an ore dock on the sandy point off Allouez Bay.
The people were forced to leave, and the remains of their ancestors were disinterred and placed in a mass grave at the St. Francis cemetery in Superior. According to the Diocese of Superior, only about 180 of the most recognized graves, including the grave of Chief Joseph Osaugie, were interred at St. Francis.
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It was only later determined that Wisconsin Point was too sandy to construct an ore dock.
The Wisconsin Point Committee on Wednesday, July 22, approved a motion to encourage the Superior City Council to consider a resolution in support of the nomination for recognition of the site as historic.
“It would help to have people attend,” Broihahn said. “The board appreciates the support.”
To register for the Zoom meeting, visit https://wihist.org/HPRB.
