Big Falls in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
History of Big Falls
Photographed By Keith L, July 4, 2009
1. History of Big Falls Marker
Inscription.
History of Big Falls. . In 1887, A.W. Whitcomb erected a sawmill on this site and water from the river supplied the power. In 1890, the land was platted and the settlement became the Village of Big Falls. In 1923, Big Falls was incorporated. Today it is one of the smallest incorporated villages in the U.S.A. The early forests were logged and lumber and shingles were milled here. A granite quarry was located below the dam. Stores, churches, hotels, railroads, saloons, a blacksmith shop, creamery, roller skating rink, ice cream parlor, coffin maker, banks, feedmill, post office and a school serviced the early village of nearly 500 residents. After the forests were cleared of timber, Scandinavian and German farmers tilled the fertile soil. Today, the greater Big Falls area has seen a return of timber production and milling of lumber as well as a continuation of the tradition of family farms.
In 1887, A.W. Whitcomb erected a sawmill on this site and water from the river supplied the power. In 1890, the land was platted and the settlement became the Village of Big Falls. In 1923, Big Falls was incorporated. Today it is one of the smallest incorporated villages in the U.S.A. The early forests were logged and lumber and shingles were milled here. A granite quarry was located below the dam. Stores, churches, hotels, railroads, saloons, a blacksmith shop, creamery, roller skating rink, ice cream parlor, coffin maker, banks, feedmill, post office and a school serviced the early village of nearly 500 residents. After the forests were cleared of timber, Scandinavian and German farmers tilled the fertile soil. Today, the greater Big Falls area has seen a return of timber production and milling of lumber as well as a continuation of the tradition of family farms.
Location. 44° 37.196′ N, 89° 0.959′ W. Marker is in Big Falls, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. Marker is on Wall Street (County Highway E/G) east of Main Street (County Highway C/E/G), on the left
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when traveling east. Marker is by Big Falls Pond. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Falls WI 54926, United States of America. Touch for directions.
As noted on the marker, Big Falls is one of the smallest incorporated villages in the U.S.A. Marker is beyond the curves on the right side of the highway.
Photographed By Keith L, September 14, 2013
6. Village of Big Falls
Marker is in the distance at the end of the road.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,264 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5, 6. submitted on September 19, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.