Near Babcock in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Gallagher Foundation

Photographed by Keith L, June 1, 2023

1. Gallagher Foundation Marker

Inscription. Gallagher Family Homestead: Scattered throughout the Sandhill property are remnants of homesteads from pioneer farmers. In the early 1900s drainage ditches were dug to produce cropland out of the surrounding marshes. Killing frosts, poor soils dominated by sand and peat, and high-water tables made farming nearly impossible. By the mid-1930s high drainage taxes, the Great Depression, and frequent wildfires drove most farmers from the land.

This house foundation marks the location of the home of the Gallagher family. They were unable to afford the taxes, so this farm became tax delinquent and reverted to the county around 1930. The house was later moved to a Babcock townsite. Rare cliff break ferns now cling to the surface of the foundation. Salamanders and other creatures seeking cool, dark environments utilize these old foundations to hibernate. This foundation remains as a stark reminder of failed dreams and the realization that not every corner of the world is suited to farming.

Those wishing to view the expansive Gallagher Marsh can park here and take the short hike to the Marsh Observation Tower.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 44° 20.675′ N, 90°

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10.929′ W. Marker is near Babcock, Wisconsin, in Wood County. It is on Trumpeter Trail, on the right when traveling west. Marker is within the Sandhill Wildlife Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1715 County Highway X, Babcock WI 54413, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. 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 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wallace B. Grange (approx. half a mile away); Babcock (approx. 4.6 miles away); History of the Bataan Death March Memorial (approx. 6.8 miles away); Center of the State of Wisconsin (approx. 6.9 miles away); City Founders’ Cemetery (approx. 7.2 miles away); City Point Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.7 miles away); Cranberry Culture (approx. 10 miles away); Indian Bill Cemetery (approx. 13.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Babcock.

More about this marker. The marker is located a considerable distance beyond the entrance gate along an unpaved, one-lane trail. Eventually, there will be a three-mile shortcut to the exit gate – but continue on the longer trail to reach the marker.

Also see . . . Observation Towers and Trumpeter Trail of Sandhill Wildlife Area.

The Trumpeter Trail is a 14-mile auto tour that takes about two hours to complete.

(Submitted on June 3, 2023.)

Photographed by Keith L, June 1, 2023

2. Gallagher Foundation Marker

Gallagher Foundation and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 1, 2023

3. Gallagher Foundation and Marker

Gallagher Foundation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 1, 2023

4. Gallagher Foundation

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2023, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 3, 2023, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.