Near Winter in Sawyer County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John F. Deitz

"Battle of Cameron Dam"

Photographed by Keith L, September 17, 2011

1. John F. Deitz Marker

Inscription. In 1904, John F. Deitz and his family purchased a farmstead on the Thornapple River about 2 miles south of here. Deitz soon discovered that Cameron Dam -- one of many logging dams on this important tributary of the Chippewa River -- lay on his property. He thereupon claimed that the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Co., a Weyerhaeuser affiliate, owed him a toll for logs driven downriver. For four years he refused to permit logs to be sluiced down the Thornapple, defending "his" dam at gunpoint and successfully resisting attempts to arrest him. At least one deputy and two of Deitz's children were wounded in confrontations. In becoming an outlaw, Deitz also became a folk hero with a nationwide following. In October 1910, a large sheriff's posse surrounded his house. In the ensuing gun battle, Oscar Harp, a deputy, was killed. John Deitz surrendered, stood trial for murder, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He served 10 years, but public pressure eventually convinced Gov. John J. Blain to pardon him in May 1921. Deitz died in 1924. Cameron Dam has long since disappeared.

Erected 1992 by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

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(Marker Number 316.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1921.

Location. 45° 47.022′ N, 90° 53.563′ W. Marker is near Winter, Wisconsin, in Sawyer County. It is on County Highway W 1.6 miles east of Tower Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is at an unpaved pull-off 6.8 miles from State Highway 70. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winter WI 54896, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

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 one other marker is within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Winter Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.4 miles away).

Also see . . . Battle of Cameron Dam.

Photographed by Greta Schassler, July 27, 2025

2. John F. Deitz Marker

Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on September 22, 2011.)

Additional keywords. John F. Dietz

Photographed by Keith L, September 17, 2011

3. John F. Deitz Marker

Photographed by Keith L, September 17, 2011

4. John F. Deitz Marker

Photographed by Greta Schassler, July 27, 2025

5. John F. Deitz Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,980 times since then and 174 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 22, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 27, 2025, by Greta Mulder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on September 22, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on July 27, 2025, by Greta Mulder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.