From Wisconsin Feral Child To French Legend: The Incredible Life Of Marie-Angélique
Discover the awe-inspiring true story of a wild Wisconsin girl who survived a decade in the forests of France and captivated a nation! 🌳 #Wisconsin #WisconsinHistory #FeralChild
👧 A Meskwaki Maiden’s Beginnings in Wisconsin
GREEN BAY, WI – Marie-Angélique Memmie Le Blanc’s extraordinary tale began in 1712 in the land that would later become the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Born into the Meskwaki (or “Fox”) Native American tribe, her early years were likely filled with the traditions and customs of her people, living in harmony with the natural world around her. From all accounts, she had a peaceful and happy childhood.
🚢 A Fateful Journey Across the Atlantic
At some point during her childhood, Marie-Angélique was brought to France from Canada by a lady whose identity remains unknown. Some reports claim she was kidnapped, painted black – and sold into slavery.
Tragically, their ship arrived in Marseille during the devastating bubonic plague epidemic that swept through Provence in 1720. Miraculously, Marie-Angélique managed to escape the deadly disease that claimed countless lives.
🌳 A Decade of Survival in the French Forests
Following her narrow escape from the plague, Marie-Angélique embarked on a remarkable journey that would span a decade and thousands of miles.
From the age of nine to nineteen, she wandered through the dense forests of France, armed only with a wooden club and a sharp metal-tipped stick for protection. During this time, she faced the constant threat of wolf attacks, harsh weather conditions, and the relentless pangs of hunger.
🏘️ Capture and Curiosity in Champagne
In September 1731, Marie-Angélique’s solitary existence came to an abrupt end when she was captured by villagers in Songy, Champagne. The sight of the wild girl, with her dark skin, hairy appearance, and claw-like nails, must have been a shock to the local populace. News of her capture quickly spread, piquing the interest of the French public and intellectuals alike.
📚 Intellectual Rebirth and Societal Integration
Despite the challenges she faced during her years in the wild, Marie-Angélique demonstrated a remarkable capacity for learning and adaptation. She regained the ability to speak and, astonishingly, learned to read and write as an adult. Her intellectual achievements were nothing short of extraordinary, considering the decade she had spent in isolation and mutism.
🙏 A Life of Faith, Hardship, and Resilience
Marie-Angélique’s journey took her from the solitude of the forests to the cloistered life of a nun in a royal abbey. However, she eventually found herself facing destitution.
In a remarkable turn of events, the Queen of France herself came to Marie-Angélique’s aid, providing her with financial support. Despite the many hardships she endured, including battles with illness, Marie-Angélique maintained her dignity and strength of character throughout her life.
🌠 A Legacy Remembered
Marie-Angélique Memmie Le Blanc’s story came to an end on December 15, 1775, when she passed away in Paris at the age of 63. The inventory of her possessions revealed that she had managed to attain a level of wealth, a striking evidence to her resilience and determination.
Though her tale has often been overshadowed by fictional heroines, the Scottish philosopher Lord Monboddo, who had the privilege of interviewing her in 1765, considered her to be the most extraordinary person of his time.
Marie-Angélique’s legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the indomitable human spirit and our boundless capacity for growth and transformation in the face of even the most daunting challenges. And to think: her story started right here near Green Bay, Wisconsin!
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🗣 What did you think of Marie-Angélique’s story? Are there any other historic Wisconsin folks we should profile on our blog? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
