Near Black River Falls in Jackson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Passenger Pigeon
The largest nesting on record anywhere occurred in this area in 1871. The nesting ground covered 850 square miles with an estimated 136,000,000 pigeons. John Muir described the passenger pigeons in flight, "I have seen flocks streaming south in the fall so large that they were flowing from horizon to horizon in an almost continuous stream all day long."
Many reasons have been given for the extinction of the passenger pigeon. Each year millions were trapped, clubbed, or shot for food and pleasure. The last known passenger pigeon died in a Cincinnati zoo in 1914.
Erected 1973 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 195.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 44° 14.85′ N, 90° 44.281′ W. Marker is near Black River Falls, Wisconsin, in Jackson County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 94 at milepost 121, on the right when traveling west. Marker is southeast of Black River Falls at westbound Rest Area 54. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Black River Falls WI 54615, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Highground Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Black River Falls Forest Fire (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Black River Valley (about 400 feet away); Winnebago Indians (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sphagnum Moss (approx. 2.1 miles away); Martin W. Torkelson (approx. 5.8 miles away); Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. (approx. 6.1 miles away); Andrew Blackhawk (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Black River Falls.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,622 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.