Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill

Photographed By Keith L, May 20, 2007

1. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker

Inscription. Here the vast Wisconsin River paper industry began in 1887 when the Centralia Pulp and Water Power Company converted a saw mill into a pulp and paper mill.

The pulp mill spanned the river to the island at the site of the present hydro-electric plant. The paper mill and boiler house were located on the island. Paper finishing and shipping facilities were located just south of this marker.

Two paper machines were installed and five water-driven pulpwood grinders reduced logs to pulp. The paper mill operated until 1912 when it was destroyed by fire. The pulp mill was removed in 1920 to make room for an addition to the hydro-electric plant.

From this beginning, the Wisconsin River area now has become the largest producer of printing papers in the United States.

Erected 1962 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 114.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 44° 22.151′ N, 89° 51.526′ W. Marker was in Wisconsin Rapids

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, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker was at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South (State Highway 73) and Hurley Street, on the left when traveling south on 2nd Avenue South. Marker is near the southwest edge of Wisconsin Rapids. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. The Great Pine (approx. 0.6 miles away); Assistant Chief Michael J. Kilpatrick (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wood County Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); John Edwards Jr. Office Building (approx. 1.1 miles away); John Jones 2nd Burial Site (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Rapids.

More about this marker. The road to the island, dam and hydro-electric plant is behind the marker in Photo 2.

Also see . . . Photos of the Centralia Mill. (Submitted on May 19, 2007.)

Photographed By Keith L, May 17, 2007

2. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker

Former Location of Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 19, 2010

3. Former Location of Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill

The island, dam and hydro-electric plant.

The Hydroelectric Plant image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 19, 2010

4. The Hydroelectric Plant

The plant is on private property.

Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker Missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Schaettle, December 30, 2023

5. Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill Marker Missing

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,910 times since then and 50 times this year. Last updated on May 24, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on May 19, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on December 30, 2023, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.