Near Genoa in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station
October 12, 2008
1. Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station Marker
Picture from Waymarking web site, used with permission.
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Dairyland Power Cooperative in April of 1961, was designated by the Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Commission as eligible to construct and operate a nuclear-fueled electric power plant as a research and development pilot installation. On June 8, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission entered into a contract with the Allis-Chalmers Company of Milwaukee for the fabrication of a 50-megawatt facility, now identified as the La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (LACBWR), and with Dairyland Power Cooperative for its eventual operation. Construction began in May of 1963. On July 11, 1967, at 7:39 in the evening, the reactor achieved its first self-sustaining chain reaction, which ushered Wisconsin into the nuclear age. Operation at full power level was attained on August 1, 1969. After several modifications and numerous tests, it was declared operational for commercial use on February 1, 1971, with a firm capacity of 50 megawatts. Dairyland Power Cooperative acquired full ownership of this nuclear-fueled electric generating facility by its purchase from the Atomic Energy Commission in August of 1973.Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Events • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1862.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 43° 33.591′ N, 91° 13.798′ W. Marker was near Genoa, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. Marker could be reached from Great River Road (State Highway 35) 0.8 miles south of Main Street (State Highway 56), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Genoa WI 54632, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (approx. half a mile away); Dams on the Mississippi (approx. half a mile away); Site of Red Bird's Village (approx. 3.3 miles away); Black Hawks Outpost (approx. 6.9 miles away); Battle of Bad Axe (approx. 7.2 miles away); Black Hawk War (approx. 7.2 miles away); Head of Battle Isle (approx. 7.2 miles away); Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder (approx. 9.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Genoa.
More about this marker. This 1976 marker was located at
October 12, 2008
2. Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station Marker
Also see . . . Aerial photo of the power plant. (Submitted on October 23, 2009.)
Photographed By Keith L, October 7, 2009
3. Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station
Genoa Generating Site
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,264 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2009. 3. submitted on October 23, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
