Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kilbourn City
Wisconsin Dells' Original Name
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020
1. Kilbourn City Marker
Inscription.
Kilbourn City. Wisconsin Dells' Original Name. Downriver sits the ruins of the lost city of Newport. In the early 1850s, the settlement on the Lower Dells developed rapidly, amidst rumors the town was to be the spot of the new LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railroad bridge. Speculators' hopes were dashed when, in the shadow of darkness, surveyors checked out a different spot two miles upriver and decided to build the bridge there. That site, where you stand today, became Kilbourn City, named after Byron Kilbourn, president of the railroad. Although the ambitious Milwaukee businessman never lived here, the city remained a feather in his cap until 1931 when, capitalizing on marketing efforts that beckoned to visitors to "see the scenic Wisconsin Dells." the city officially changed its name.
Downriver sits the ruins of the lost city of Newport. In the early 1850s, the settlement on the Lower Dells developed rapidly, amidst rumors the town was to be the spot of the new LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railroad bridge. Speculators' hopes were dashed when, in the shadow of darkness, surveyors checked out a different spot two miles upriver and decided to build the bridge there. That site, where you stand today, became Kilbourn City, named after Byron Kilbourn, president of the railroad. Although the ambitious Milwaukee businessman never lived here, the city remained a feather in his cap until 1931 when, capitalizing on marketing efforts that beckoned to visitors to "see the scenic Wisconsin Dells." the city officially changed its name.
Location. 43° 37.771′ N, 89° 46.575′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker can be reached from Broadway near Eddy Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Broadway, 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. George H. Crandall (a few steps from this marker); The Ho-Chunk People (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kilbourn Dam
More about this marker. This marker is located on the "Riverwalk." 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."
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020
2. Kilbourn City Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
