Near Pardeeville in Marquette County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Muir Country
It was over this road that John Muir traveled to such early settlements as Kingston and Pardeeville. Muir was eleven when he came here from Scotland with his father, brother and sister in 1849. His mother arrived with her other children after a home had been carved out of the wilderness. They settled west of here at “Fountain Lake,” at what is now John Muir Memorial Park. Here, surrounded by the beauties of nature, began his love of wild animals, flowers, trees and waters. Later, the family moved five miles east to the Hickory Hill Farm.
Muir’s early education began at home. His mechanical skill was demonstrated by many ingenious inventions. He entered the University of Wisconsin but left without completing his studies to travel throughout the West on foot. While hiking through the Sierra Nevadas, he found his real inspiration and life-work. His many and persistent articles and letters persuaded Congress to pass the National Park Act in 1890. This was the beginning of a formal national park movement.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in and places to pray in, where nature may heal and cheer, and give strength to body and soul alike.” .... John Muir.
Erected 1969 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 169.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 43° 39.15′ N, 89° 17.46′ W. Marker is near Pardeeville, Wisconsin, in Marquette County. Marker is on State Highway 22, 0.6 miles north of Berry Road (County Highway CM), on the right when traveling north. Marker is at a wayside 0.6 miles north of Columbia County. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pardeeville WI 53954, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Wee White Kirk (approx. 3.8 miles away); John Muir, Foster Son of Wisconsin (approx. 5.9 miles away); John Muir Memorial Park (approx. 5.9 miles away); Potters' Emigration Society (approx. 6.8 miles away); Pardeeville World War I Memorial (approx. 7.6 miles away); Angie Williams Cox Public Library (approx. 8 miles away); Historic Pardeeville / Belmont Hotel (approx. 8 miles away); Inglehart Church (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pardeeville.
Also see . . . John Muir: A Brief Biography. Sierra Club website entry (Submitted on December 7, 2007.)
Additional keywords. Sierra Club founder
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,509 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on December 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on August 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on December 7, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 7, 8. submitted on August 20, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.