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

Potters' Emigration Society

Photographed by Keith L, June 7, 2009

1. Potters' Emigration Society Marker

Inscription. Near here in 1849 Thomas Twiggs began a settlement of unemployed potters from Staffordshire, England. To help farmers on both sides of the Fox River reach his store and blacksmith shop at Twiggs' Landing, he operated Emancipation Ferry, named to express his hope that here they would find freedom from the poverty of the Old World.

Erected 1961 by the Columbia County Historical Society. (Marker Number 106.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 43° 38.187′ N, 89° 25.546′ W. Marker is near Portage, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. It is at the intersection of County Highway CM and County Highway T, on the left when traveling east on County Highway CM. Marker is approximately 6 miles northeast of Portage. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portage WI 53901, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: John Muir, Foster Son of Wisconsin (approx. 4 miles away); John Muir Memorial Park (approx. 4 miles away); The Wee White Kirk (approx.

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4.1 miles away); The Indian Agency House at Fort Winnebago (approx. 5.4 miles away); The Indian Agency House (approx. 5.4 miles away); Revolutionary War Veteran (approx. 5½ miles away); Site of Fort Winnebago (approx. 5.7 miles away); Fort Winnebago (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portage.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Indian Agency House (was approx. 5.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. This is an official marker of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.

Photographed by Keith L, June 7, 2009

2. Potters' Emigration Society Marker

The Fox River is beyond this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,711 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.