Mineral Point in Iowa County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Laurence F. Graber

"Mister Alfalfa"

Photographed by Eric Kuntz, February 9, 2014

1. Laurence F. Graber Marker

Inscription. In 1887, Professor Laurence F. Graber was born on a nearby Mineral Point farm about three miles southwest of this location. In 1910, he began his career as an agronomy instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and was given the responsibility of increasing alfalfa acreage throughout the state. Graber received his doctorate from the University of Chicago and became an eminent agricultural scientist. He helped to develop superior winter hardy varieties of alfalfa seed and discovered new methods for planting and pasture renovation. Graber dedicated his life to educating students, farmers and the public about the benefits of alfalfa planting. He stated that (alfalfa is) "one of the greatest forages of the new hemisphere, and also one of its principal sources of renewable wealth." Because of Graber's efforts to promote this productive feed crop he earned the title "Mr. Alfalfa" and Wisconsin became the leading state in alfalfa acreage.

Erected 1999. (Marker Number 433.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education. In addition, it is included in

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the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 42° 51.491′ N, 90° 11.804′ W. Marker is in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in Iowa County. It is on Fair Street, on the left when traveling west. Located at the Iowa County Fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Fair Street, Mineral Point WI 53565, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Historic Mineral Point (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wisconsin Territory (approx. 0.9 miles away); Site of Fort Jackson (approx. one mile away); Shake Rag (approx. 1.1 miles away); Fort Defiance (approx. 5½ miles away); Dodge's Grove and Fort Union

Photographed by Eric Kuntz, February 9, 2014

2. Laurence F. Graber Marker

(approx. 5.7 miles away); Dodge Mining Camp Cabin (approx. 7.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mineral Point.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2014, by Eric Kuntz of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,127 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2014, by Eric Kuntz of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.