Platteville in Grant County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Platteville Started Here
By Gordon Govier, January 20, 2005
1. Platteville Started Here Marker
(from the memoirs of John H. Rountree): "During the fall of 1827 my partner and myself purchased a mineral prospect that had been discovered, by finding small pieces of lead mineral in the litter piles of dirt scratched out by the badger to make holes in the ground. That was the first mineral discovered there abouts and that was discovered on the bluff at the east end of the old Rountree lead..." In November of 1827 John Rountree and his partner, Major J. B. Campbell, purchased a mineral claim from Emanuel Metcalf for $3,600. The Rountree Lead, was the first mine developed in what would become the city of Platteville. It was near this spot that the "bluff" could be found that would mark the entrance of the Rountree Mine.
With the start of this mine, the further development of Platteville was begun. A lead smelting furnace, a store, and a Post Office, followed to serve the increasing numbers of settlers arriving in the area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers.
Location.
By Gordon Govier, January 20, 2005
2. Platteville Started Here Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Main Street Commercial Historic District Platteville (approx. 0.4 miles away); First State Normal School (approx. half a mile away); World's Largest M (approx. 4 miles away); The First Capitol (approx. 6.1 miles away); Land, Lead, and Politics (approx. 6.1 miles away); Governor Tommy G. Thompson's 1998 Address At Wisconsin's First Capitol (approx. 6.1 miles away); Belmont, Wisconsin Territory, 1836 (approx. 6.2 miles away); 1998 Wisconsin Assembly (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Platteville.
By Gordon Govier, January 20, 2005
3. Platteville Mining Museum
Museum located across the street from the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2010, by Gordon Govier of Monona, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 589 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Gordon Govier of Monona, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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