Cassville in Grant County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Denniston House
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
1. Denniston House Marker
When Wisconsin Territory was established by Congress in 1836, more than a dozen communities eagerly sought to become the capital. Daniels, Denniston, and Company of New York offered this building free if Cassville were chosen. When the Legislature selected Madison, Denniston's dream ended in bankruptcy.
Nelson Dewey arrived in Cassville in 1836 and worked for the Denniston firm. Later, Dewey acquired vast properties here including this building, which he opened as "Denniston House" in 1854. It has been in continuous operation as a hotel ever since. Dewey's plantation home "Stonefield" is preserved in Nelson Dewey State Park about one mile upriver from here.
Erected 1969 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 171.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 42° 42.793′ N, 90° 59.439′ W. Marker was in Cassville, Wisconsin, in Grant County. It was on East Front
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, in the Corn Belt, in the Driftless Area Bluff Country, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: The Cassville Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Cassville Ferry (about 400 feet away); Village of Cassville (about 500 feet away); Mississippi Valley Overlook (approx. 5.6 miles away in Iowa); Pleasant Ridge (approx. 12.1 miles away); a different marker also named Pleasant Ridge
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
2. Denniston House Marker
More about this marker. The marker has been permanently removed due to demolition of historic house.
Also see . . . Nelson Dewey. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on June 20, 2011.)
Additional commentary.
1. The Denniston House
The 30 room, 8,250 square feet building, is now closed. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and listed on the most endangered historical properties in Wisconsin in 2004. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted June 20, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
3. Denniston House and Marker
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
4. Denniston House
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
5. Denniston House
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
6. Nelson Dewey State Park
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
7. Stonefield
Photographed by Keith L, June 18, 2011
8. Dewey House
Photographed by Greta Schassler, October 25, 2025
9. Denniston House Marker
Demolition of Denniston House. Marker has been removed from historic site.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,973 times since then and 75 times this year. Last updated on October 27, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 20, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 9. submitted on October 27, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
