Near La Crosse in La Crosse County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Major General C.C. Washburn
Photographed By Keith L, June 23, 2008
1. Major General C.C. Washburn Marker
When the Civil War broke out, Washburn organized the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Regiment and became its colonel. Washburn's ability and political influence marked him for advancement. He served with distinction throughout the war. He commanded the Military District of Western Tennessee by 1865, and he was one of only two Wisconsinites to attain the rank of major general.
Washburn returned to Congress in 1866 and became governor in 1871. Washburn advocated moderate reforms such as government control of telegraphs, regulation of railroads, and support for libraries. Washburn retired from politics in 1874 to attend to his business and philanthropic interests. He donated an observatory to the University of Wisconsin, funded the establishment of a public library in La Crosse, and with his Madison residence ("Edgewood") endowed a Catholic Girls' school. His flour-milling concern in Minneapolis eventually became General Mills. Washburn died in 1882 and is buried in La Crosse.
Erected 1990 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 296.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic
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Location. 43° 51.543′ N, 91° 16.257′ W. Marker is near La Crosse, Wisconsin, in La Crosse County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 90 at milepost 1 west of Lakeshore Drive, on the right when traveling east. Marker is at eastbound Rest Area 31 on French Island — Wisconsin’s only rest area located on an island. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2323 Lakeshore Drive, La Crosse WI 54603, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Upper Mississippi (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Taming the Wild River (approx. 1.7 miles away in Minnesota); Symbol of America (approx. 1.7 miles away in Minnesota); Minnesota’s “Fashionable Tour” / Welcome to Minnesota (approx. 1.7 miles away in Minnesota); Theodore Foss Memorial Highway (approx.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, May 30, 2017
2. Major General C.C. Washburn Marker
The rest area was recently redeveloped and the marker repositioned.
Also see . . .
1. Washburn, Cadwallader Colden. Born: Livermore, Androscoggin County, Maine, April 22, 1818 · Died: May 15, 1882, Eureka Springs, Carroll County, Arkansaw · Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, Wisconsin (Submitted on January 20, 2009.)
2. Cadwallader C. Washburn. The city of Washburn, Wisconsin was named after Cadwallader Washburn. Washburn County, in northern Wisconsin, was also named after Cadwallader Washburn. (Submitted on January 20, 2009.)
Photographed By Keith L, June 23, 2008
3. Major General C.C. Washburn Marker
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, May 30, 2017
4. Major General C.C. Washburn Marker
The rest area was recently redeveloped and the marker repositioned. It is south of the new building.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,064 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on June 1, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on January 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on June 1, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
