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. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

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.

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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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Hamilton Bennett (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wisconsin River (about 400 feet away); River Excursions (about 400 feet away); The Railroads (about 500 feet away); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

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 384 times since then and 191 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.