For over a century, Red Arrow Camp has been a place where boys build lifelong friendships, develop independence, and embrace the challenges of outdoor adventure. But long before Red Arrow became a summer camp, the land on which it sits played a vital role in Indigenous culture, the fur trade, and the logging industry—all of which shaped its history in ways few people know.
In our recent Sunday at the Cedars event, we uncovered newly found documents, artifacts, and historical records that provide incredible insights into the land, people, and stories of Red Arrow’s past. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most exciting discoveries, from ancient tribal settlements to the rise of a logging empire, and how it all connects to the camp we know today.
A Land of Indigenous Legacy
Long before the arrival of European settlers, the land surrounding Trout Lake was home to the Ojibwa (Chippewa) and Dakota (Sioux) tribes. Archaeological findings indicate that people lived along the mouth of the Trout River as far back as the retreat of the glaciers—a history spanning thousands of years.
The Ojibwa people, in particular, had a deep connection to the land. They followed a prophecy that led them westward from the Atlantic coast, searching for a place where “food grows on the water” (a reference to wild rice). Eventually, they established settlements across northern Wisconsin, including Trout Lake.
For centuries, the Ojibwa thrived in this region, engaging in fishing, hunting, and fur trading with European settlers. Their strategic location along the Flambeau Trail—a major trade route—allowed them to dominate the fur trade industry, exchanging beaver pelts for European goods. The Ojibwe eventually pushed the Dakota out of the land solidifying their dominance of the region.
Trout Lake’s Role in the Fur Trade
By the early 1600s, French explorers and fur traders arrived in the Great Lakes region, eager to trade metal tools and weapons for valuable beaver pelts. This trade quickly became the economic backbone of the region, with Trout Lake emerging as one of the final destinations of the Flambeau Trail—an important trade route between Lake Superior and the inland territories.
One of the most significant discoveries we made was the documentation of a Hudson Bay Company trading post on Red Arrow’s current property. While it had long been rumored that an old trading post once stood near the present-day camp bell, found artifacts—including iron harpoons and brass axe heads—support this claim.
These discoveries suggest that Trout Lake was not only a site of native settlements but also a commercial hub for the fur trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.
From Forest to Logging Empire
By the mid-1800s, as fur trading declined, the demand for lumber skyrocketed. Vast northern forests were seen as prime real estate for timber production, and the land around Trout Lake was no exception.
In 1897, Henry William Wright, a Civil War veteran and prominent businessman, purchased 400 acres of land along Trout Lake, marking the beginning of a major logging operation. Before this, he established the H.W. Wright Lumber Company in 1883, which became a year-round logging operations in Wisconsin.
Wright’s company used railroads and steamboats to transport logs from the lake to sawmills in Merrill, Wisconsin. At its peak, the company harvested over 18 million square feet of lumber per year, shaping the landscape that would later become Red Arrow Camp.
One of our most intriguing findings was the rediscovery of Wright’s Cottage, which stood on the very land where Red Arrow Camp is today. Unlike traditional logging camps, Wright’s Cottage was not just a base for logging operations—it was also a political and social retreat for Wisconsin’s elite.
Historical newspaper archives describe lavish gatherings at Wright’s Cottage, where politicians, business leaders, and even future governors would visit. The property featured large wraparound porches, a pavilion for meetings, and residences for Wright’s family and top executives.
This high-profile retreat gave Wright a strong political influence in Wisconsin, and many believed he was destined for a run at governor or even the presidency. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack in 1901, bringing an end to his political aspirations and changing the future of the property.
Red Arrow Camp is Born
By 1913, the Wright family had abandoned the land, and it sat vacant for nearly a decade. But in 1920, Razz, the founder of Red Arrow Camp, purchased the property and transformed it into the summer camp we know today.
One of the most fascinating pieces of history is that many of the camp’s original buildings, including the Rec Hall and Mess Hall, date back to Wright’s Cottage. The architecture of these buildings, with high ceilings and large windows, reflects their original purpose—not as logging bunkhouses, but as executive retreats.
Additionally, historical records suggest that Ojibwa craftsmen may have helped construct some of the original structures, meaning that the very buildings campers use today could have been built by the descendants of Trout Lake’s first inhabitants.
Preserving & Sharing This History
At Red Arrow Camp, we believe it’s important to honor the legacy of the land we call home. By uncovering and preserving this history, we can provide campers with a deeper appreciation for the generations who came before them.
We are currently working on integrating more historical education into our camp experience, including:
✅ Showcasing artifacts and historical documents in the Rec Hall
✅ Including Indigenous history and fur trade education in camp programs
✅ Publishing an in-depth history feature in Big Campfire Magazine
Final Thoughts
The land beneath Red Arrow Camp has witnessed centuries of rich history, from thriving indigenous settlements to fur trading outposts and logging empires. As we continue to uncover the past, we deepen our connection to the present—and ensure that future generations of campers can appreciate the stories that shaped this special place.
We invite you to watch the full Sunday at the Cedars event and discover even more about Red Arrow’s incredible history.
