Book Review: The Bark River Chronicles

Recently added to the library's collection is The Bark River Chronicles: Stories from a Wisconsin Watershed by Milton J. Bates .  The Bark River valley region of Southeastern Wisconsin is used to explore a diverse assortment of topics.  The book outlines the author's voyage by canoe from the Bark River's headwaters, through its confluence with the Rock River, and finally joining up to Lake Koshkonong.  The book connects the this meandering river route taken to corresponding stories including those of early settlements, glaciation, effigy mounds, the Black Hawk War, the development of waterpower sites, and the damage done by water pollution and invasive species. 

As the Wisconsin Historical Society Press review concludes, "for the two voyageurs who paddle the length of the Bark, it is a journey of rediscovery and exploration. As they glide through marshes, woods, farmland, and cities, they acquire not only historical and environmental knowledge but also a renewed sense of the place in which they live."

If you are a Wisconsin resident and would like to check out this or any other book, please fill out our book request form. If you are a UW student, faculty or staff, please request books through the Library Catalog.

Wisconsin Historical Society Press info on the book here
Milton J. Bates' author biography here