Viroqua in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Governor Rusk

Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010

1. Governor Rusk Marker

Inscription. Jeremiah McLain Rusk, who owned and lived on this farm, was born June 17, 1830 in Deerfield, Ohio. In 1853 he moved to Viroqua. He served with distinction in the Civil War and in the United States Congress. As Governor (1882-1889) Rusk gained national prominence for his support of striking railroad workers. Later in May 1886 he was widely acclaimed for suppressing the Milwaukee riots and for his statement "I seen my duty and I done it." As the first United States Secretary of Agriculture (1889-1893) Rusk sought to promote the interests of the farmer by encouraging scientific research, inspection of meat exports and eradication of horse and cattle disease. Weighing about 250 pounds and 6'3" tall, with grey hair and flowing beard, "Uncle Jerry" Rusk was a colorful personality who won the respect and admiration of people in all walks of life.

Erected 1958 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 83.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1886.

Location. 43° 34.409′

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N, 90° 53.314′ W. Marker is in Viroqua, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. Marker is on North Main Street (U.S. 14/61) 0.1 miles south of County Highway BB, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at a highway pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Viroqua WI 54665, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lucy Stone (approx. one mile away); Viroqua's First Settler (approx. 1.1 miles away); Jeremiah McLain Rusk (approx. 1.6 miles away); John McCulloch (approx. 6.3 miles away); Black Hawk Trail (approx. 11.3 miles away); Nation's First Watershed Project (approx. 11½ miles away); a different marker also named Black Hawk Trail (approx. 11.7 miles away); a different marker also named Black Hawk Trail (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Viroqua.

Also see . . . Jeremiah McLain Rusk. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on June 10, 2010.)

Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010

2. Governor Rusk Marker

Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010

3. Governor Rusk Marker

The farm is now a car dealership.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 882 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.