Salem in Kenosha County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Brass Ball Corners
Photographed by Paul F, November 16, 2010
1. Brass Ball Corners Marker
In the 1800s, before assigning names to roads was a common practice, intersections were often given names to identify communities and places of interest.
The trail through Brass Ball Corners started at Lake Michigan and went west through Lake Geneva to Janesville. Farmers and merchants frequented the trail, hauling grain, furs and lead to the Port of Kenosha.
In 1842, farmer Seth Huntoon recognized a growing need for a place where travelers could rest. He built an inn on the northwest corner of a busy junction and then hung a wooden ball gilded in gold at the intersection. Because of its likeness to brass, the intersection came to be known as Brass Ball Corners.
Over time the corners grew, as a school, post office, church, shoemaker, and several homes were built at the corner. The community eventually became the Village of Paddock Lake. Today, a replica brass ball hangs nearby.
Erected 2005 by Wisconsin State Historical Society. (Marker Number 503.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included
this page online
Location. 42° 34.076′ N, 88° 6.957′ W. Marker is in Salem, Wisconsin, in Kenosha County. It is at the intersection of 75th Street (State Highway 50) and 256th Avenue (State Highway 83), on the left when traveling west on 75th Street. Marker is located at southeast corner of intersection in a small park. It is surrounded by a Walgreens, a strip mall, and Central High School. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem WI 53168, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee. 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Schaefer Mammoth Site (approx. 7.9 miles away); Revolutionary War Veteran
Photographed by Paul F, November 16, 2010
2. Brass Ball Corners Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Recall this location from the early 1950s
I was born in Kenosha, WI in 1951 but my folks farmed near Bristol, WI. We lived on my mothers fathers farm, his name was Edward Steffan. My parents names were Robert and Alice Smith. My dad was the farm manager. We frequent visited Paddock Lake to swim as young children and I recall always being excited to see Brass Ball Corners! Funny that I havent thought about this monument in more than 65 years!
— Submitted June 12, 2026, by Steven Edward Smith of Cape Coral,, Florida.
Additional keywords. Brass Ball
Photographed by Paul F, November 16, 2010
3. Brass Ball Corners Marker
Brass ball is located above marker
Photographed by Paul F, November 16, 2010
4. Brass Ball
Close up of Brass Ball
Photographed by Paul F, November 16, 2010
5. Brass Ball Corners
Brass Ball over intersection
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 5,508 times since then and 423 times this year. Last updated on February 13, 2018, by Gabriel Graczyk of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 30, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
