Established on property donated by Prairie du Chien philanthropist John Lawler, the school was originally operated as a college by Jesuits from the Buffalo, New York, mission of the German Province of the Society of Jesus.

As the name change took place, the school underwent an early expansion phase that saw the construction of several buildings for academic and housing purposes.

The fire, which began on the fourth floor, spread slowly and allowed for the building to be safely evacuated without any personal injuries.

Matters grew worse in 1972, when a Wisconsin law went into effect that allowed anyone above the age of 18 to purchase and consume alcohol, aggravating a drug problem on the campus.

Today the prison, called the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution, serves as a medium security adult penitentiary.

[4] One building that was formerly part of the Campion High School campus, the sports complex at Hoffman Hall, remains outside of the prison and is operated as a public recreational facility by the city of Prairie du Chien.