The Belgian Roadside Chapels of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula

Abstract

During the latter half of the 19th century, small Belgian chapels appeared on the rural landscape of the Door Peninsula, Wisconsin. The construction of these chapels by devout Catholics resulted from promises made for answers received to specific prayers of favor. Usually located immediately adjacent to section-line roads, they were used by family members, neighbors and by folks from afar. This study details the character and distribution of these chapels. The remaining chapels serve as an element of the Belgian material culture.