Near Mt. Vernon in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pioneer Scottish Settlement

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 9, 2010

1. Pioneer Scottish Settlement Marker

Inscription. "Highland Clearances" and 300% hikes in farm rent prompted many Scottish farmers to sail to America in the mid-1800s. Some displaced Scots settled in Springdale and Verona Townships on both sides of the Military Ridge. This rural community known as Scotch Lane established a Presbyterian Church, a post office, and the Henderson and McPherson/McGregor schools. Nearly 100 families had settled here by 1870, some of whom rest in this early "Scottish Cemetery."

Members of this community were prominent in state and county government, including County Board Chairmen James McPherson and Frank Stewart; State Legislators Thomas and John Stewart and Joseph Henderson; State Senator and Secretary of State John S. Donald, the "Father of Wisconsin's Good Roads Law."

In later years, neighboring Swiss, German and Norwegian families acquired many of these farms. Few Scottish descendants remain on the home sod.

"From scenes like these, old Scotia's grandeur springs
That Makes her lov'd at home, rever'd abroad"
-Robert Burns

Erected 1996 by Dane County Historical Society. (Marker Number 34.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers

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. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 42° 57.893′ N, 89° 37.65′ W. Marker is near Mt. Vernon, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of County Road G and County Road J, on the right when traveling east on County Road G. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8352 County Road G, Verona WI 53593, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Donald Park (approx. 2.8 miles away); Robert M. La Follette: The Early Years (approx. 3.8 miles away); Springdale Lutheran Church (approx. 4.3 miles away); Paoli (approx. 5.7 miles away); Primrose Lutheran Church (approx. 6 miles away); Dane County Home (approx. 6.1 miles away); Old Town (approx. 6.1 miles away); St. Raphael's Frenchtown Cemetery (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mt. Vernon.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 9, 2010

2. Pioneer Scottish Settlement Marker

Oak Hill Cemetery is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,575 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.