Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Bailey's Landing

(A Landmark Store)

Photographed By Keith L, May 14, 2008

1. Bailey's Landing Marker

Inscription. This building was constructed on the home site of General Joseph Bailey Civil War hero and a founder of Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells) in 1856. Bailey became a national Civil War hero in 1864 when Porter's Red River Fleet was stranded in low water. Using raftsmen's techniques learned in this area, Bailey freed the fleet, saving the Union two million dollars and shortening the war by two years.

This property was leased from Jack and Ben Olson by Arnold Borcher Co. in 1978, remodeled in a nautical motif and named Bailey's Landing in his honor. AD 1979

Erected 1979.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 43° 37.65′ N, 89° 46.536′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker is on Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) west of River Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hero of the Red River (within shouting distance of this marker); H. H. Bennett Studio (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (about 400

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feet away); Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (about 400 feet away); The Wisconsin River (about 500 feet away); History of the Wisconsin Dells (about 500 feet away); Geology of the Wisconsin Dells (about 500 feet away); The Railroads (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

Also see . . . Joseph Bailey. "Bailey suggested building a winged dam, similar to the kind he had built as a Wisconsin lumberman. The dam, Bailey argued, would lift the level of the river. When it was high enough to lift Porter's fleet over the falls, Bailey would dynamite the dam, and the fleet would be saved.... A grateful United States Congress voted Bailey the "Thanks of Congress" for his efforts, making him only one of fifteen men to receive such an honor." (Submitted on May 27, 2008.)

Photographed By Keith L, May 14, 2008

2. Bailey's Landing Marker

Bailey's Landing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, May 26, 2008

3. Bailey's Landing

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,200 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.