Near Black River Falls in Jackson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Black River Valley
This valley contained the largest pine trees, some of them up to six feet across at ground level, and the most pine trees per township in the state.
Before logging ended in 1905, more than fifty sawmills had been in operation in Jackson County. Accurate records kept over a period for forty years reveal that enough lumber was sawed to have built a plank road nine feet wide and four inches thick around the world.
Iron ore was smelted at Black River Falls in 1856 and again in 1886, but the old process proved too expensive and was abandoned. The Jackson County Iron Company, a subsidiary of Inland Steel, built a modern processing plant in 1969 that ships 2800 tons of taconite pellets every day of the year to its blast furnaces in Indiana. The mine buildings and open pit mine are visible from the overlook on top of this scenic Bell Mound.
Erected 1976 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 228.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 44° 14.853′ N, 90° 44.197′ W. Marker is near Black River Falls, Wisconsin, in Jackson County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 94 at milepost 121, on the right when traveling west. Marker is southeast of Black River Falls at westbound Rest Area 54. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Black River Falls WI 54615, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Black River Falls Forest Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Highground Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Passenger Pigeon (about 400 feet away); Winnebago Indians (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sphagnum Moss (approx. 2.1 miles away); Martin W. Torkelson (approx. 5.8 miles away); Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. (approx. 6.1 miles away); Andrew Blackhawk (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Black River Falls.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,021 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 17, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 7, 8. submitted on April 18, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of the mine buildings and open pit mine. • Can you help?