Reedsburg in Sauk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Babb's Ford
1844 · 1851
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
1. Babb's Ford Marker
In Memory.
J.W. Babb. First
White Settler.
Babbs Ford
1844 · 1851
Donated By
M. Baker, Grandson.
Made By
H.V. Hamilton.
Erected by M. Baker and H.V. Hamilton. (Marker Number 89.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 43° 31.943′ N, 90° 0.663′ W. Marker is in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in Sauk County. Marker is on East Main Street (State Highway 23/33) west of Webb Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is by the east bank of the Baraboo River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16 East Main Street, Reedsburg WI 53959, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Attempted Native American Deportation and Relocation (approx. ¼ mile away); Reedsburg WWII Prisoner of War Camp (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Clare Briggs, Cartoonist (approx. 0.4 miles away); Clare A. Briggs – Cartoonist (approx. 4.2 miles away); Van Hise Rock (approx. 5.6 miles away); a different marker also named Van Hise Rock (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Ironton Mine (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reedsburg.
this page online
More about this marker. Babb's Ford was the only river crossing in the area from 1844 to 1851. Babb's Ford, or Babb's Crossing, is where a bridge now spans the Baraboo River in Reedsburg; named for James Wilson Babb (1789-1875), who was the earliest settler in the region.
This is a Wisconsin Registered Landmark – Number 89; Wisconsin Council for Local History.
Also see . . .
1. Reedsburg's Notable Citizens. "Our most noted pioneer arrived here before Reedsburg was even a place. In the spring of 1844 this was just a lonely spot known to the few settlers in Wisconsin as 'Indian Ford.'" (Submitted on July 22, 2010.)
2. James Babb. (Submitted on July 22, 2010.)
3. History of Reedsburg. (Submitted on July 22, 2010.)
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
2. Babb's Ford Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
3. Babb's Ford Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
4. Babb's Ford Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
5. Woolen Mill "Picker"
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 19, 2010
6. Woolen Mill "Picker"
Located on this site, the Wollen Mill was a major industry in Reedsburg from 1882 to 1967. The Mill was destroyed by fire April 9, 1968. This wheel was part of a "picker" used to clean the wool and remove the clumps before it went to the carding room where it was combed into strands.
As an historic remnant of the Woolen Mill, this wheel serves as a symbol of recognition for the thousands of people who worked there, weaving the fabric of Reedsburg's future.
As an historic remnant of the Woolen Mill, this wheel serves as a symbol of recognition for the thousands of people who worked there, weaving the fabric of Reedsburg's future.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 769 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 22, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
