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

Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor

A Piece of History

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

1. Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor Marker

Inscription. In 1873, steamboats began overtaking rowboats for river excursions to see the famous Dells. One such steamer was built in 1878 by the Kilbourn Boat Company and named after Alexander Mitchell, a successful Milwaukee banker and railroad magnate. By the turn of the century, the large wooden steamboat was decommissioned and sunk in the Lower Dells. Local fishermen found the steamer's anchor in 2008 and donated it to the The Dells County Historical Society. Its preservation is made possible by the Gregory C. Van Wie Charitable Foundation. Gregory was the great grandson of Captain Dave Van Wie, the original pilot of the Alexander Mitchell.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 43° 37.671′ N, 89° 46.616′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. It is at the intersection of Broadway and Eddy Street, on the left when traveling south on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

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marker is in Greater Madison.

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 walking distance of this marker: Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Wisconsin Dells (within shouting distance of this marker); Geology of the Wisconsin Dells (within shouting distance of this marker); The Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); River Excursions (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wisconsin River (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kilbourn Dam (about 400 feet away); Kilbourn City (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bailey's Landing (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

2. Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

3. Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

4. Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor Marker

This marker marks the beginning of the "Riverwalk", an eleven stop historical walk along the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 742 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.