Lake Delton in Sauk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dawn Manor
Site of the Lost City of Newport
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
1. Dawn Manor Marker
Here on the Wisconsin River the village of Newport was begun in 1853, planned for a population of 10,000. Assuming that the Milwaukee & LaCrosse Railroad would cross the river here, over 2000 settlers quickly came to Newport, causing a lively land boom. When the bridge and dam were ultimately located a mile upstream after an alleged secret moonlight survey, Newport was almost completely deserted in favor of Kilbourn City (today Wisconsin Dells). Only Dawn Manor, with its servant quarters, remains. Dawn Manor was completed in 1855 by Capt. Abraham Vanderpoel, friend of Lincoln and signer of the Wisconsin Constitution. The home is built of Potsdam sandstone, white mahogany and white pine, put together with brass screws and wooden pegs. Dawn Manor houses the art collection of George Raab, one of Wisconsin's famous artists.Erected 1955 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 26.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 43° 36.327′ N, 89° 46.293′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Priegel Pier (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lake Delton Catastrophe (about 500 feet away); Honoring Village Trustee Tom Diehl (about 600 feet away); Kaminski Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newport Indian Mound (approx. 0.4 miles away); Logging and Lumbering on the Wisconsin River (approx. half a mile away); Stroud Bank (approx. 1˝ miles away); Hero of the Red River (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Delton.
More about this marker. Marker is located next to a private driveway.
Additional commentary.
1. Lake Dalton Emptied
On June 9, 2008, rain-swollen Lake Delton overflowed left of the marker after a highway embankment failed and washed across County Highway A into the Wisconsin River. Engineers are studying the lake near the Wisconsin Dells to determine how best to repair the embankment and refill it. The lake is in the heart of a vacation area that attracts 3 million visitors a year.
The marker and Dawn Manor itself was not threatened by the rising water and subsequent flooding that essentially emptied the lake (more than
Photographed By Keith L, May 26, 2008
2. Dawn Manor Marker
— Submitted June 27, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
3. Dawn Manor Marker
Photographed By Keith L, May 26, 2008
4. Side View of Dawn Manor Marker
Photographed By Keith L, May 26, 2008
5. Dawn Manor Marker
Lake Delton is beyond the marker.
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
6. Dawn Manor Marker
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
7. Restored Land
Photographed By Keith L, June 24, 2008
8. Lake Delton After Flood
On June 9, 2008, 2 weeks after the photo of the marker was taken, rain-swollen Lake Delton overflowed left of the marker and washed across County Highway A into the Wisconsin River.
Photographed By Keith L, June 24, 2008
9. Lake Delton Breach
The lake drained into the Wisconsin River after a portion of the lakeshore was breached following heavy rains and water poured out of the lake, emptying it. Dell Creek still runs through it.
Photographed By Keith L, June 24, 2008
10. Unique Tree Stumps
Photographed By Keith L, July 13, 2008
11. Destroyed Homes
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 6,070 times since then and 524 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 29, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on May 29, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6, 7. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 8, 9. submitted on June 27, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 10. submitted on July 19, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 11. submitted on July 20, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
