Stevens Point in Portage County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Historic Southside Railroad Complex of Stevens Point

Photographed by Keith L, May 18, 2007

1. The Historic Southside Railroad Complex of Stevens Point Marker

Inscription. Once the rail hub of central Wisconsin, Stevens Point’s Historic Southside Railroad Complex still contains buildings, engines and tracks that evoke the time when the railroad was the dominant means of transportation in the country. The first train chugged into Stevens Point in 1871, and since that time the railroad has played a major role in the development of the city. One of Stevens Point’s biggest employers, the railroad hired many workers to keep the steam engines and the diesel locomotives fueled, maintained, switched, and running on schedule. Six nearby railroad hotels, with names like the Majestic, European and Acord, once offered accommodations to train travelers and railroad workers. Today, the railroad’s active switch yards, yard office, roundhouse, repair shops, and depot—and the surrounding commercial buildings—are a testament to the major role the railroad has played in Stevens Point for more than 125 years.

Erected 1999 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 418.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 44° 30.83′ N, 89° 34.382′

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

W. Marker is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in Portage County. It is at the intersection of Monroe Street and Wyatt Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Monroe Street. It is a block east of U.S. Business 51 (Church Street), north of the railroad tracks, at the foot of Wyatt Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stevens Point WI 54481, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Engine 2713 Controls and Operation (a few steps from this marker); WWI Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans World War I Memorial (about 300 feet away); Stevens Point Women's Club (about 300 feet away); Portage County Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stevens Point.

Regarding The Historic Southside Railroad Complex of Stevens Point. The railroad commemorated by the marker was the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway, better known as the Soo Line. Passenger trains between Chicago and Minneapolis stopped here 20 minutes or more for crew and engine changes on their 17 hour journeys. There was connecting service to Portage from Stevens Point.

Photographed by Keith L, May 18, 2007

2. The Historic Southside Railroad Complex of Stevens Point Marker

Stevens Point Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, May 20, 2007

3. Stevens Point Depot