Near Sturgeon Bay in Door County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Orchards of Door County

Photographed By Amanda Prange, circa June 2006

1. The Orchards of Door County Marker

Inscription. In 1858 Joseph Zettel, a native of Switzerland, acquired the farm directly south of this Station and established the first commercial orchard on the Door Peninsula. The high yields and quality of his fruit aroused the interest of Emmett S. Goff of the University of Wisconsin and Arthur L. Hatch, orchardist, and led to the discovery that the Peninsula is remarkably suited for fruit growing. In 1892 Goff and Hatch planted a small acreage to cherries, apples and plums. Commercial production of red cherries began in 1896. The University of Wisconsin established this research station in 1922 to help advance the fruit industry. Progressive growers, community leaders, and thousands of pickers from distant places have shared in bringing Door County national recognition as a fruit-producing area.

Erected 1960 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 98.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 44° 52.815′ N, 87° 20.17′ W. Marker is near Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in Door County. Marker is on State Highway 42 near Maple Heights

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Circle (unmarked private farm road). The marker is on Hwy 42, about .6 mile north of its junction with Highway 57 near Sturgeon Bay. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sturgeon Bay WI 54235, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Fortunate Mix (approx. 1.1 miles away); Town of Sevastopol (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bradley Crandall Sawmill Site (approx. 3.3 miles away); Steam Barge Joys (approx. 3.4 miles away); ‘Old Bell’ Tower (approx. 3.7 miles away); Historic Sturgeon Bay (approx. 3.7 miles away); Public Library (approx. 3.7 miles away); Hay Hardware (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgeon Bay.

Orchards Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 11, 2011

2. Orchards Marker

Photographed By Keith L, September 17, 2008

3. The Orchards of Door County Marker

Cherry Orchards of Door County image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 11, 2011

4. Cherry Orchards of Door County

Research Station Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 11, 2011

5. Research Station Sign

Research Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 11, 2011

6. Research Station

Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2008, by Amanda Prange of Waukesha, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,446 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 5, 2008, by Amanda Prange of Waukesha, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. 3. submitted on September 20, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.