Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Hero of the Red River

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 14, 2018

1. Hero of the Red River Mural

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

A Wisconsin Pioneer One of the founders of Wisconsin Dells, Joseph Bailey completed the first dam across the Wisconsin River here in 1859. Opposition from upriver lumbermen required the dam's removal in 1860. Bailey's dream to build an industrial city based on water power died with it. The Civil War began in 1861 and Bailey recruited volunteers from the area to form Company D of the Fourth Wisconsin Infantry. Sent to Louisiana, The Fourth captured New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

At the end ot the war Bailey, his wife Mary, and their four children, moved to southwest Missouri. He was elected sheriff of Vernon County in 1866 but was murdered by bushwackers while apprehending lawbreakers in 1867.

Saving the Fleet In 1864, Colonel Joseph Bailey served as an engineer with the Union forces as they steamed up Louisiana's Red River. Water levels dropped and the most powerful fleet of gunboats in the River Navy was trapped behind the rocky rapids at Alexandria.

Using his experience with The Dells dam, Bailey designed and built a dam to raise the water on the Red and

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with a "chute" to allow the gunboats to float over the rocks. He succeeded and saved the Union Fleet. He was rewarded with a promotion to Brigadier General and the official thanks of Congress. It was the highest decoration bestowed on any Civil War soldier from Wisconsin. Joseph Bailey was the Hero of the Red River and of the United States.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 43° 37.639′ N, 89° 46.507′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker is on Superior Street south of Broadway Road (State Highways 13, 16, and 23), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bailey's Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); H. H. Bennett Studio (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stroud Bank (about 500 feet away); Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (about 600 feet away); The Wisconsin River (about 600 feet away); History of the Wisconsin Dells (about 700 feet away); Geology of the Wisconsin Dells (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

Upper left image image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 14, 2018

2. Upper left image

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bailey
Nineteenth Army Corps

Also see . . .
1. John Bailey (general). Wikipedia article (Submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. 4th Wisconsin Infantry History: Wisconsin Civil War Regiment. Information about the 4th Wisconsin Infantry on the Wisconsin Historical Society website. (Submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

3. 4th Wisconsin Volunteers. website devoted to the 4th Wisconsin Infantry. Includes a roster of Company D and Joseph Bailey's war record. (Submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

4. Bailey's Dam. Wikipedia article (Submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

A Wisconsin Pioneer (left panel) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 14, 2018

3. A Wisconsin Pioneer (left panel)

Middle image image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 14, 2018

4. Middle image

Saving the Fleet (right panel) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 14, 2018

5. Saving the Fleet (right panel)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 366 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 30, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.