Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill
Photographed by Greta Schassler, April 18, 2024
1. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker
Here the vast Wisconsin River paper industry began in 1887 when the Centralia Pulp and Water Power Company converted a saw mill into a pulp and paper mill.
The pulp mill spanned the river to the island at the site of the present hydro-electric plant. The paper mill and boiler house were located on the island. Paper finishing and shipping facilities were located just south of this marker.
Two paper machines were installed and five water-driven pulpwood grinders reduced logs to pulp. The paper mill operated until 1912 when it was destroyed by fire. The pulp mill was removed in 1920 to make room for an addition to the hydro-electric plant.
From this beginning, the Wisconsin River area now has become the largest producer of printing papers in the United States.
Erected 1962 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 114.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 44° 22.151′ N, 89° 51.526′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, in Wood County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South (State Highway 73)
this page online
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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Great Pine (approx. 0.6 miles away); Assistant Chief Michael J. Kilpatrick (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wood County Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); John Edwards Jr. Office Building (approx. 1.1 miles away); Milwaukee Gasoline Locomotive (approx. 1.1 miles away); John Jones 2nd Burial Site (approx. 1.3 miles away); Myron "Grim" Natwick (approx. 2 miles away); John Edwards Jr. (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Rapids.
More about this marker. The road to the island, dam and hydro-electric plant is behind the marker in Photo 2.
Also see . . . Photos of the Centralia Mill. (Submitted on May 19, 2007.)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker Renovation
In 2023, the South Wood County Historical Museum embarked on a project to renovate local historical markers.
In September, the Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill was the first to be removed and updated. The marker was renovated and returned to it's location
Photographed by Keith L, May 20, 2007
2. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker
This is a photo of the marker prior to its restoration.
— Submitted July 16, 2024, by Lori Brost of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Photographed by Greta Schassler, April 18, 2024
3. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker
Photographed by William J. Toman, September 19, 2010
4. Former Location of Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill
The island, dam and hydro-electric plant.
Photographed by William J. Toman, September 19, 2010
5. The Hydroelectric Plant
The plant is on private property.
Photographed by Jim Schaettle, December 30, 2023
6. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker Missing
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,911 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on April 24, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on April 24, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 20, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on April 24, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on September 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on December 30, 2023, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
