Near Nekoosa in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wakely’s Tavern
Pointe Basse
Photographed By Keith L, June 17, 2007
1. Wakely's Tavern Marker
Built in 1831, Wakely’s Tavern and Trading Post was the first white settler’s house in present Wood County. River piers, shingle mill, warehouse, and gunpowder pit contributed to making this site a rendezvous for Indians, voyageurs, lumbermen and raftsmen, as well as a social center for area pioneers.
In 1844 the steamboats “Maid of Iowa” and “Enterprise” operated on the river carrying passengers and cargo between Prairie du Chien and Pointe Basse, the site of Wakely’s Tavern.
Until 1916, a cable ferry operated from this point to the west bank of the river. In 1963, the remaining wing of the tavern was restored and is now known as “Old Ferry Farm.”
Erected 1971 by the South Wood County Historical Corporation. (Marker Number 28.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 44° 17.997′ N, 89° 53.424′ W. Marker was near Nekoosa, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker was on Wakely Road, 0.3 miles west of County Highway Z, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Point Basse (a few steps from this marker); Point Bas (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nekoosa War Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Point Basse (approx. 1.6 miles away); Ed “Strangler” Lewis (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nekoosa.
More about this marker. This is a Wisconsin Registered Landmark – Number 28. This was the 9th marker erected by the South Wood County Historical Corporation.
Regarding Wakely’s Tavern. From the Town of Saratoga Wisconsin website: “Robert Wakely was the first white settler in the town, arriving in 1837. By 1846, Wakely already had at least a dozen buildings at his settlement. By 1852, Wakely was operating the ferry across the Wisconsin River from his tavern. All this was even before the township was created in 1857.”
Additional keywords. Robert Wakely · Wisconsin Heritage Site #209
Photographed By Keith L, June 17, 2007
2. Wakely's Tavern Marker
Photographed By Keith L, June 19, 2007
3. Wakely's Tavern
National Register of Historic Places #74000146
Listed December 27, 1974
Photographed By Keith L, June 19, 2007
4. Wisconsin River
Wakely's Tavern is behind the photographer.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,174 times since then and 145 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on June 19, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
