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

The Railroads

Tourism & Commerce

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

1. The Railroads Marker

Inscription. The arrival of the railroad in 1857 created a boom in tourism as an increased number of sightseers arrived by rail to take scenic boat tours. The Dells of the Wisconsin River had gained notoriety through the photographs of H.H. Bennett. But the railroad also changed commerce beyond the river. The region was a hotbed for growing hops, the yellow and green flowers that give pear its flavor. The number of breweries across the county tripled from 1850-60, and Wisconsin alone had more than 125 beer producers. A hops craze began and the railroad brought in seasonal workers to cultivate and harvest the hops. Young women from outlying counties arrived by rail - some 30,000 of them - to pick hops for about $1.50 per day.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Features • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 43° 37.706′ N, 89° 46.629′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. It can be reached from Broadway near Eddy Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this

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postal address: 105 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this 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: River Excursions (here, next to this marker); The Wisconsin River (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kilbourn Dam (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); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ho-Chunk People (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

More about this marker.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

2. The Railroads Marker

The marker is end-on on the left.

The "Riverwalk" is a public path along a portion of the Wisconsin River. Eleven makers are found along this path. Road access to the path is only available at the beginning and end of the "Riverwalk."

Railroad bridge from the marker overlook. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 2, 2020

3. Railroad bridge from the marker overlook.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.