DeForest in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The De Forest Depot

Built in 1871

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 30, 2010

1. The De Forest Depot Marker

Inscription. The DeForest Depot was built in 1871, at the time of the construction of the railroad line which connected Madison to Portage. Land for a depot was donated to the railroad by Isaac DeForest. Recognizing the importance of rail service to the growth of the community, area residents provided funds to erect the building. Knute Knudtson, a local tradesman, constructed the depot using a post and beam building technique common to many area barns. The original exterior siding consisted of vertical boards and battens. In the 1920s the depot was remodeled to include wainscoting, horizontal siding, and new windows. The DeForest Depot closed in 1971 and the building was later purchased by the Chase Lumber Company of DeForest to be used for storage. In 2001 the land and the building were deeded by Fred and Helen Chase to the DeForest Area Historical Society. The current exterior restoration reflects the appearance of the building during the 1930s, when The Milwaukee Road train passed through town several times each day.

In appreciation...
This restoration project was made possible through the dedication, generosity, and gifts of many.

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Special appreciation is extended to the DeForest Depot Restoration Committee and to Society members and friends. The DMB Community Bank, the family of Robert and Dorothy Ethun, and the Village of DeForest (Fred and Helen Chase Fund) for significant financial support.

Exterior restoration completed in 2008

Erected by the DeForest Area Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 43° 14.749′ N, 89° 20.492′ W. Marker is in DeForest, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is at the intersection of Market Street and DeForest Street, on the left when traveling south on Market Street. The marker and depot are next to the DeForest Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 DeForest Street, Deforest WI 53532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Madison.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 30, 2010

2. The De Forest Depot Marker

The depot is just behind the marker.

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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: De Forest Centennial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andreas Dahl (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of the First Well in DeForest (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Story of the Pink Elephant (approx. 2 miles away); Ella Wheeler Wilcox (approx. 3.8 miles away); Token Creek (approx. 4.2 miles away); Token Creek Sedge Meadow Trail (approx. 4.3 miles away); Maureen Mengelt Memorial (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeForest.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Our Bell (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,623 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.