Watertown in Jefferson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Richards Hill Ski Slide Site

Richards Hill Ski Slide Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devon Polzar, 2021

1. Richards Hill Ski Slide Marker

Inscription. Near this site from circa 1915 through 1923 stood the Richards Hill Ski Slide, a popular winter gathering spot for people from miles around. The slide was situated so that when a skier climbed to the top and began the descent, the momentum would propel the individual down the hill, across Concord Avenue, and over the frozen Rock River to its easternmost bank. The slide was closed down in 1923 after the deaths of two boys, Herbert and Leonard Born, who tobogganed down the hill and were struck and killed by a passing motorist. Following this tragic accident, the city declared it illegal to use Richards Hill for sledding, a law that remains in effect today.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports.

Location. 43° 11.063′ N, 88° 42.441′ W. Marker is in Watertown, Wisconsin, in Jefferson County. It can be reached from the intersection of Charles Street and Sunset Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 919 Charles St, Watertown WI 53094, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and 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: First Kindergarten (within shouting distance of this marker); Plank Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Fred C. Merkle (within shouting distance of this marker); Plank Road Pioneer Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Octagon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fred Merkle Field (approx. ¼ mile away); Adrian Joss / John P. "Red" Kleinow (approx. ¼ mile away); In Honor of the 1955 Watertown High School State Baseball Champions (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.

More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Octagon House Museum. The marker is behind the Octagon House.

Photographed by Devon Polzar, 2021

2. Richards Hill Ski Slide Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by Devon Polzar of Port Washington, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2021, by Devon Polzar of Port Washington, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.