Near Chetek in Barron County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pine Was King

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2011

1. Pine Was King Marker

Inscription.
Vast forests of virgin white pine were the treasure which brought the first wave of white settlers to Northern Wisconsin. The farms came later, but for half a century the forests were local history.

In 1847, the Knapp, Stout & Co. purchased thousands of acres of pinelands from the Government for $1.25 per acre. In 1848 they began logging operations in Barron County and by 1870 the company was said to be the greatest lumber corporation in the world and the undisputed lord of the thousands of square miles comprising the Red Cedar Valley.

In 1901 the Knapp, Stout & Co. mills became silent as the white pine of the area was gone and the denudation of the area was regrettably complete.

Today Barron County ranks high in the state in forestry, but agriculture comprises the main industry of the area.

Erected 1976

Erected 1976 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 218.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 45° 17.029′ N, 91°

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38.227′ W. Marker is near Chetek, Wisconsin, in Barron County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 53 at milepost 125,, 6.4 miles north of County Highway M, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at northbound Rest Area 34. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chetek WI 54728, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cartwright Mill (approx. 6.6 miles away); First Congregational United Church of Christ (approx. 14½ miles away).

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Knapp, Stout & Co. (Submitted on February 28, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2011

2. Pine Was King Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,049 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.