Historical Highlight The construction of a home for Hercules Dousman was started in 1843 at Prairie du Chien on the site of the old Fort Crawford. Dousman, a wealthy fur trader and Wisconsin’s first millionaire, died in 1868. Dousman’s son, Louis, had the home demolished and replaced it with a more modern, luxurious Italianate style home in 1870-1871. It was named Villa Louis after his death.