Columbus in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Governor James Taylor Lewis / Governor Lewis: Civil War Era
Governor James Taylor Lewis · 1819 – 1904
Governor James T. Lewis, the ninth Governor of Wisconsin (1864-66), led the state through the tumultuous conclusion of the Civil War. He was born in New York State and in 1845 settled in Columbus where he practiced law. In 1854-56 he built this house in the Italianate style of architecture. Lewis began his political career as a Democrat, serving in the Assembly, state Senate and as lieutenant governor. He joined the new Republican party and was elected secretary of state in 1861 and governor, by an overwhelming majority, in 1863. Lewis served one term and returned to his large land holdings and legal profession in Columbus.
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Governor Lewis: Civil War Era
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As the last of Wisconsin's four Civil War governors, Governor Lewis made a substantial contribution to the northern cause. At a time when morale was low and money was scarce, he both met and worked to lower the state's conscription quota. Lewis, along with the four other western governors, designed the "one hundred day militia" program and convinced the War Department to continue the high bounty for new army recruits. He made extensive visits to Civil War army hospitals and camps and secured the transfer home of many of Wisconsin's sick and wounded soldiers.
Erected 1995 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 324.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 43° 20.553′ N, 89° 1.271′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker is at the intersection of West James Street (State Highway 16 / 60) and South Charles Street, on the right when traveling east on West James Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 West James Street, Columbus WI 53925, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Columbus City Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Columbus Public Library (approx. 0.4 miles away); Grand Army of the Republic Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fall River Dam (approx. 3˝ miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 3.6 miles away); Lowell Women Firefighters (approx. 10.1 miles away); Frederick Douglass (approx. 12 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . James T. Lewis. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on October 2, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,772 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.