Cornell in Chippewa County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Jean Brunet

Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2011

1. Jean Brunet Marker

Inscription. Jean Brunet is one of the most noteworthy pioneers of the Chippewa Valley. Born in France in 1791, Brunet immigrated to this country in 1818 and moved to Chippewa Falls in 1828. He built the first dams on the Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls and Brunet Falls which is now the City of Cornell. He was our first Judge and member of the legislature for Chippewa County when it met at what is called Burlington, Iowa. Brunet piloted the first raft of lumber from the Falls to Prairie du Chien and piloted the first steamboat up the river. He operated the first stopping place and portage at Cornell where he operated his business as a dealer in boats, oxen and logging supplies. Along the banks of the Chippewa River, he traded with the Indians and taught them to work iron and wood, and to worship God. As the great peace maker between the Indians and whites, he was loved and respected by the Indians as no other man before or since. Brunet's trading post was located on the west bank of the river just below the existing dam where he was often visited by Ezra Cornell who is credited as the founder of Cornell. Some of the remnants of the

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foundation may still be found. Brunet Falls, although not visible is located just north of the bridge. Brunet died in 1877 and is buried at Chippewa Falls. His wife is buried in the Estella cemetery southeast of Cornell.

Erected by the Chippewa County Historical Society. (Marker Number 41.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.

Location. 45° 9.965′ N, 91° 9.324′ W. Marker is in Cornell, Wisconsin, in Chippewa County. It can be reached from Bridge Street (State Highway 64) 0.2 miles west of Park Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in Mill Yard Park by the Cornell Pulpwood Stacker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Bridge Street, Cornell WI 54732, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds

Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2011

2. Jean Brunet Marker

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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pulpwood Stacker (here, next to this marker); Ezra Cornell (here, next to this marker); Cornell Pulpwood Stacker (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cornell Women's Club Tablet (approx. half a mile away); Holcombe Logging Disaster (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Holcombe Indian (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Cobban Bridge (approx. 4.9 miles away); Bohemian National Cemetery (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cornell.

Tablet at Nearby Flag Pole image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2011

3. Tablet at Nearby Flag Pole

In Memory Of
James A. Flood
1915 – 1985
From family & friends

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,474 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.