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

Point Basse

Photographed By Keith L, June 8, 2007

1. Point Basse Marker

Inscription. Five rapids covering a distance of about three miles in this area were referred to as Nekoosa (swift water) by the Chippewa Indians, who made their campground on high Swallow Rock overlooking these rapids. At the lower end of the rapids, Wakeley’s tavern served as a rendezvous and resting place for the river traveler and lumber raftsmen. Wakeley’s was the nucleus for the development of a settlement named Point Basse (low point). The name was later changed to Nekoosa.

The settlement became a key town during the colorful era when lumber was rafted down the river from the pineries of the North to Mississippi River markets.

Daniel Whitney built the first sawmill on the Wisconsin River here at Whitney’s Rapids in 1831, making Nekoosa the birthplace of Wood County. From this first harnessing of the river’s power developed scores of power facilities making the Wisconsin River the hardest-worked river in the world.

Erected 1963 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 130.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Natural Features

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• Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.

Location. 44° 19.397′ N, 89° 53.273′ W. Marker is in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker can be reached from Prospect Avenue (State Highway 73) half a mile north of State Highway 173, on the right when traveling north. Located in Riverside Park (on the north side of the city), along the west bank of the Wisconsin River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nekoosa WI 54457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ed “Strangler” Lewis (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Nekoosa War Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Point Basse (approx. 1.6 miles away); Point Bas (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nekoosa.

Photographed By Keith L, June 8, 2007

2. Point Basse Marker

Dam and Swallow Rock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, June 9, 2007

3. Dam and Swallow Rock

Hydroelectric plant and paper mill are behind the photographer. Light colored mass of rocks broke apart in the spring of 2007.

Looking Downriver toward Dam image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, June 9, 2007

4. Looking Downriver toward Dam

Looking Upriver toward the Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 19, 2010

5. Looking Upriver toward the Markers

Nearby Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, May 26, 2010

6. Nearby Plaque

[Visible at the right edge of Photo 2.] 1993 Wis. Rapids & vicinity Central Labor Council dedicates this living memorial to all workers of Nekoosa area who have lost their lives in their work place.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,322 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on June 11, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on September 20, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on May 27, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.