THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Historical Markers and War Memorials
in Greater Madison Region

 
By William J. Toman, April 9, 2011
St. Mary's of the Pines Marker
1 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Baraboo — St. Mary's of the Pines —
Near Durward's Glen Road at McLeisch Road, on the right when traveling north.
Built by B.I. Durward & Neighbors 1866 Damaged by fire 1923 Restored by Madison Council Knights of Columbus 1929 — — Map (db m41612) HM
2 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Cambria — David J. Jones —
On North Madison Street (State Highway 146) at Second Street, on the right when traveling north on North Madison Street.
This memorial is dedicated to the life of David J. Jones Born in Cambria, WI, June 20, 1880. Davy grew up in Cambria playing baseball with well known local players such as the Dodge Brothers, Willard and Ben. Davy was an aggressive leadoff . . . — — Map (db m66065) HM
3 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Cambria — Historical Site —
On North Madison Street (State Highway 146) 0.1 miles north of West Edgewater Street, on the left when traveling north.
On this site in 1844, John Langdon & his four sons erected a sawmill, a dam & gristmill. Other early settlers by the names of McConochie, Dodge, Torbert, & Williams joined in construction. The original place name of Langdon's Mill, later became . . . — — Map (db m66352) HM
4 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — Columbus City Hall —
On North Dickason Boulevard at West James Street (Wisconsin Highway 16-60), on the right when traveling south on North Dickason Boulevard.
This 1892 Richardsonian Romanesque building was designed by T.D. Allen of Minneapolis using local materials. It originally housed the Library, Kindergarten and Fire Station in addition to the City Offices, Police Departments and Auditorium. The . . . — — Map (db m67231) HM
5 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — Columbus Public Library —
On South Dickason Boulevard at West James Street (Wisconsin Highway 16/60) on South Dickason Boulevard.
The Prairie Style Library was designed by Louis W. Claude (former associate of Louis Sullivan) and Edward F. Starck of Madison, Wisconsin, and built with funding from Andrew Carnegie and the Columbus Women's Club. The library was dedicated November . . . — — Map (db m28344) HM
6 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — Farmers & Merchants Union Bank — Established 1861 —
On West James Street (State Highway 16-60) at South Dickason Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on West James Street.
In 1919, Bank President J. Russell Wheeler and his wife, Anna May Wheeler, retained Architect Louis Sullivan. Known as the father of the skyscraper, Sullivan was to design a building that would give the bank an image of financial security, civic . . . — — Map (db m67230) HM
7 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — 324 — Governor James Taylor Lewis / Governor Lewis: Civil War Era —
On West James Street (State Highway 16 / 60) at South Charles Street, on the right when traveling east on West James Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m22918) HM
8 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — Grand Army of the Republic Memorial —
On South Dickason Boulevard at West James Street (Wisconsin Highway 16/60) on South Dickason Boulevard.
. . . — — Map (db m28289) HM
Paid Advertisement
9 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Columbus — World War II Memorial —
On State Highway 16 / 60 0.2 miles east of County Road TT, on the right when traveling east.
The citizens of the Township of Elba purchased this land in 1947 as a memorial to the men and women who served their country in World War II. 1995 — — Map (db m65642) WM
10 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Dekorra — 591 — The Old Village of Dekorra —
On County Road V just west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Before the introduction of the railroad, the Wisconsin River provided one of the most practical means of transporting lumber and farm products to distant markets. The old Village of Dekorra was beautifully situated to take advantage of this . . . — — Map (db m165534) HM
11 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Fall River — Fall River Dam —
On North Main Street (County Highway D) at Brayton Boulevard on North Main Street.
At this location, in 1846, Alfred A. Brayton constructed a log and earth dam across the Crawfish River and erected a saw mill.

From this saw mill the village of Fall River was built. — — Map (db m150747) HM
12 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Friesland — Inglehart Church —
On Inglehart Road, on the left when traveling north.
A congregation of German settlers had been worshipping in a log cabin about 200 feet north of this sign, on property homesteaded by James Inglehart in 1846. In 1867 the congregation decided to build a church. James Inglehart offered this . . . — — Map (db m74235) HM
13 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Lodi — Historic Tree —
On South Main Street at Sodders Street, on the left when traveling south on South Main Street.
The Palmer Tree, a stately burr oak was a mere acorn in front of the Palmer Family log cabin, when Lodi was settled in 1848. Its testimony to a peaceful community continues, as it stands proudly to welcome all who enter the Lodi Valley Historical . . . — — Map (db m33882) HM
14 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Merrimac — 187 — The Merrimac Ferry —
On State Highway 113, on the right when traveling north.
Merrimac’s first permanent settler, Chester Mattson, obtained a territorial charter in 1848 to provide ferry service across the Wisconsin River. The State Legislature of 1851 authorized a road, subsequently to become State Trunk Highway 113, to . . . — — Map (db m1932) HM
15 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Pardeeville — Angie Williams Cox Public Library —
On North Main Street (State Highway 22) 0.1 miles north of Chestnut Street (County Highway P), on the left when traveling north.
Angie Williams Cox Public Library 1934 is listed in the State Register of Historic Places — — Map (db m22869) HM
16 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Pardeeville — 423 — Historic Pardeeville / Belmont Hotel —
On North Main Street (State Highway 22) 0.1 miles north of Chestnut Street (County Highway P), on the right when traveling north.
Historic Pardeeville In 1848, New York native and Milwaukee merchant, John S. Pardee hired agents to oversee his Fox River land holdings and to establish business operations from this location. Yates Ashley, the most notable of Pardee's . . . — — Map (db m215748) HM
17 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Pardeeville — Pardeeville World War I Memorial —
On North Main Street (State Highway 22) at Morton Street, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street.
1929 Dedicated to those of this community who served in the World War and to the memory of those who gave their last full measure of devotion. Erected by American Legion Auxiliary to Harry D. Jerred Post No. . . . — — Map (db m39566) HM
Paid Advertisement
18 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 61 — Fort Winnebago —
On State Highway 33 0.2 miles west of County Highway F, on the left when traveling east.
In the autumn of 1828 a permanent fort was built on this site by the First Regiment of the United States Infantry under the command of Maj. David E. Twiggs, later a general in the Confederate Army. The fort was constructed primarily to control the . . . — — Map (db m2364) HM
19 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Fort Winnebago Surgeons' Quarters —
Near East Cook Street (State Highway 33) 0.1 miles west of County Highway F, on the left when traveling north.
Home of Army Surgeons 1834 - 1845 Occupied by Francis LeRoy before 1828 Restored by Wisconsin Society, Daughters of the American Revolution 1954 — — Map (db m42904) HM
20 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 317 — Frederick Jackson Turner — 1861 – 1932 —
On Wisconsin Street (State Highway 16) at Cook Street (State Highway 33) on Wisconsin Street.
Considered the most important historian of the United States in the twentieth century, Frederick Jackson Turner brought a new understanding to the meaning of the American experience. He was born in Portage; his father was Andrew Jackson Turner, a . . . — — Map (db m216262) HM
21 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Historic Indian Agency House — Built in 1832
On Agency House Road 0.8 miles north of East Albert Street, on the left when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
The Indian Agency House was built in 1832 by the United States Government for John Harris Kinzie and his wife Juliette Magill Kinzie. John Kinzie was the Indian Agent to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Indians. He had been assigned by the Government to . . . — — Map (db m230836) HM
22 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet —
On Wisconsin Street at Wauona Trail, on the left when traveling east on Wisconsin Street.
This tablet marks the place near which Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet entered the Wisconsin River June 14, 1673 — — Map (db m2342) HM
23 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 451 — Ketchum’s Point —
On State Highway 33 at East Cook Street, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 33.
Ketchum’s Point, named for a local family, stands above the low, marshy Portage connecting the Fox River and Great Lakes with the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. This waterway served as a vital thoroughfare for supplies and furs during the fur . . . — — Map (db m2407) HM
24 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 63 — Marquette —
On State Highway 33 0.2 miles west of County Road F, on the left when traveling east.
On June 14, 1673 Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet started the portage (1.28 miles) from here to the Wisconsin River, which led to their discovery of the Upper Mississippi June 17, 1673 at Prairie du Chien. The expedition, in two birch bark . . . — — Map (db m2341) HM
25 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Pierre Pauquette Ferry —
On Cook Street (State Highway 33), on the right when traveling south.
Landing place of the ferry built by Pierre Pauquette and operated by him from about 1828 until his death in 1836. This ferry was in use until the first bridge was built across the Wisconsin River in 1857. — — Map (db m74344) HM
26 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 106 — Potters' Emigration Society —
On County Highway CM at County Highway T, on the left when traveling east on County Highway CM.
Near here in 1849 Thomas Twiggs began a settlement of unemployed potters from Staffordshire, England. To help farmers on both sides of the Fox River reach his store and blacksmith shop at Twiggs' Landing, he operated Emancipation Ferry, named to . . . — — Map (db m20084) HM
Paid Advertisement
27 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Revolutionary War Veteran —
On County Highway EE 0.2 miles east of State Highway 33, on the right when traveling east.
Patriots Cooper Pixley and Alexander Porter served the cause of gaining our nation's independence while dedicated members of the military. Both are buried in Section 33 of this National Soldiers Rest. Cooper Pixley, born in Great Barrington, . . . — — Map (db m42899) HM
28 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Site of Fort Winnebago —
On State Highway 33 0.2 miles west of County Highway F, on the left when traveling east.
1828 — 1845 Surrender of Red Bird Noted Winnebago Chief 1827 Erected by Wau-Bun Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1924 — — Map (db m4609) HM
29 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 480 — Society Hill Historic District —
On MacFarlane Road at West Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south on MacFarlane Road.
This 137 building district is bounded, in part, by Emmett, Cass, Wisconsin and MacFarlane streets. Most of the houses were constructed between 1870 and 1910 and are in the Italianate and Queen Anne architectural styles. Society Hill reflects . . . — — Map (db m20042) HM
30 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — The Indian Agency House —
On Agency House Road 0.8 miles north of East Albert Street, on the left when traveling north.
. . . — — Map (db m42997) HM
31 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — The Indian Agency House at Fort Winnebago — Built in 1832 —
On Agency House Road 0.9 miles north of East Albert Street, on the left when traveling north.
This home, constructed for Indian sub-agent John H. Kinzie, served as an embassy between the Federal Government and the Hoocak (Ho-Chunk, Winnebago) Nation during a turbulent period of cultural convergence and the initiation of the Hoocak Trail . . . — — Map (db m230837) HM
32 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — Trinity United Church of Christ —
On Prospect Ave at Wisconsin Avenue (State Highway 16), on the right when traveling west on Prospect Ave.
Trinity United Church of Christ Has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior Trinitatus Evangelische 1871 — — Map (db m108279) HM
33 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Portage — 513 — Zona Gale —
On Cook Street (State Highway 33) at Wisconsin Street (State Highway 16) on Cook Street.
Zona Gale was born August 26, 1874, in Portage. She graduated in 1899 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Masters in Literature. Gale then spent six years as a journalist in Milwaukee and New York. Her visits to Portage . . . — — Map (db m20009) HM
34 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — 29 — John Muir View —
On U.S. 51 0.1 miles north of Loveland Road, on the right when traveling south.
John Muir (1838-1914), world famous naturalist and "father of the national park system," often stopped to rest and admire this view as he walked from his home in Marquette County to the University of Wisconsin. Muir loved the wilderness from which . . . — — Map (db m20148) HM
35 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — 259 — Rest Areas on the I-Roads —
Near Interstate 39 at milepost 113, 4.2 miles south of Wisconsin Highway 78, on the right when traveling south.
Early roadside rest areas were rural school grounds and country churchyards with their two little houses in back. In Wisconsin, by 1920, curves were built to eliminate sharp road corners. Local garden clubs, with the American Legion and . . . — — Map (db m22690) HM
Paid Advertisement
36 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — 178 — The Circus —
Near Interstate 90/94 2.5 miles west of County Highway CS, on the right when traveling west.
Wisconsin has a unique heritage as the birthplace of circuses. More than a hundred had their beginnings in Wisconsin, with Delavan providing winter-quarters for twenty-six between 1847 and 1894. New York brothers Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie brought . . . — — Map (db m109259) HM
37 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — Veterans of the American Revolution Memorial Bridge —
On Interstate 90.
A living memorial to and in honor of veterans who are buried in Wisconsin who served this nation in the American Revolution and who, by their efforts, were responsible for the founding of our country. Veterans of the American . . . — — Map (db m43824) HM
38 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — Veterans of the American Revolution Memorial Bridge —
Near Interstate 90, on the right when traveling south.
A living memorial to and in honor of veterans who are buried in Wisconsin who served this nation in the American Revolution and who, by their efforts, were responsible for the founding of our country. Veterans of the American . . . — — Map (db m252382) HM
39 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — 545 — Wallis Rowan and His Cabin —
On West Mill Street at West John Street, on the left when traveling north on West Mill Street.
Wallis/Wallace Rowan (1800-1847) was born in Kentucky of Scotch Irish descent. He was a lead miner, trader, innkeeper, land speculator, farmer, and mill owner. In 1818 he married Elizabeth “Betsy” Metcalf in Illinois. By 1828 Rowan was . . . — — Map (db m67233) HM
40 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway —
Near Interstate 90.
A living memorial to and in honor of all Wisconsin veterans living and deat, of all wars in which the United States of America has engaged. Color guard of the 8th Wisconsin Infranty Regiment with Old Abe at Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1863 The . . . — — Map (db m43825) HM
41 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Poynette — Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway —
Near Interstate 90, on the right when traveling south.
A living memorial to and in honor of all Wisconsin veterans, living and dead, of all wars in which the United States of America has engaged. Color guard of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment with Old Abe at Vicksburg, . . . — — Map (db m252520) WM
42 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Rio — Samuel & Chloe Leonard Doud — 1793 – 1860 · 1791 – 1874 —
Near Cemetery Road 0.1 miles south of Rio Street, on the right when traveling south.
In memory of Samuel & Chloe Leonard Doud 1793 – 1860 · 1791 – 1874 Donors of Ohio Cemetery First burial their grandson Winfield Doud 1848 – 1955 – — — Map (db m25656) HM
43 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — A Glimpse of the Old Dells —
Near River Road.
Welcome to Witches Gulch In the 1800s, Witches Gulch was a far from accessible. Centuries of fallen trees and other debris made a hike through the gorge a physical and mental marathon. In H.H. Bennett's search for new places to . . . — — Map (db m157076) HM
44 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor — A Piece of History —
On Broadway at Eddy Street, on the left when traveling south on Broadway.
In 1873, steamboats began overtaking rowboats for river excursions to see the famous Dells. One such steamer was built in 1878 by the Kilbourn Boat Company and named after Alexander Mitchell, a successful Milwaukee banker and railroad magnate. By . . . — — Map (db m156991) HM
Paid Advertisement
45 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock — Kilbourn Landmark —
On Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) at Eddy Street, on the right when traveling west on Broadway Street.
This natural harbor is named for Gen. Joseph Bailey, original owner of the property. It has been the gateway to the magnificent dells of Wisconsin for millions of visitors for over 100 years. Sight-seeing boats have developed from spoon-oared . . . — — Map (db m7757) HM
46 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Bailey's Landing — (A Landmark Store)
On Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) west of River Road, on the right when traveling west. Reported missing.
This building was constructed on the home site of General Joseph Bailey Civil War hero and a founder of Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells) in 1856. Bailey became a national Civil War hero in 1864 when Porter's Red River Fleet was stranded in low . . . — — Map (db m7966) HM
47 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Belle Boyd — Kilbourn Landmark —
Near Broadway Road (State Highway 23) 0.2 miles east of State Highway 13/16, on the right when traveling east.
Born May 9, 1844 in Martinsburg, VA. Died June 11, 1900 at Kilbourn, WI. On May 23, 1862 at the Battle of Front Royal, VA., Belle Boyd, then 18, ran across the battlefield between the firing lines with information for Gen. Stonewall . . . — — Map (db m8023) HM
48 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — First Evangelical Lutheran Church —
Near Peterson Road south of Wisconsin Highway 16, on the left when traveling south.
This marks the site of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Moe Settlement 1863 — 1892 — — Map (db m8172) HM
49 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Geology of the Wisconsin Dells —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street, on the left when traveling east.
The word "Dells" was derived from the French word "Dalles," meaning flat-layered or slab rock. These layers of rock were formed during the Cambrian period, 500 million years ago, when the North American Continent was completely covered by an . . . — — Map (db m157040) HM
50 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — George H. Crandall — Steward of the Dells —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street.
Claiming that "no man can own the Dells." George H. Crandall - son-in-law to H.H. Bennett - ensured his legacy with extraordinary efforts to preserve the scenic landscape. Even though Crandall himself was involved in the tourist trade, managing . . . — — Map (db m157128) HM
51 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — H. H. Bennett Studio — Kilbourn Landmark — America’s Oldest Photographic Studio ·  Established in 1865 —
On Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) west of Oak Street, on the right when traveling west.
This building was constructed in 1875 by Henry Hamilton Bennett, pioneer landscape photographer, nationally known for his artistry, technical excellence and inventive genius. His views of this area brought the earliest tourists to his beloved Dells . . . — — Map (db m7851) HM
52 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — H.H. Bennett Photography & Promotion of the Wisconsin Dells Area —
Near County Road N.
Henry Hamilton (H.H.) Bennett (1843-1908) is recognized as on of the countries foremost landscape photographers.At the age of only 22, with little formal education and a damaged right hand, he began his photographic career in Kilbourn City (now . . . — — Map (db m157084) HM
53 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Henry Hamilton Bennett —
Near River Road near Wisconsin Avenue.
Arriving in the developing Kilbourn City as a teenager in 1857, Henry Hamilton Bennett began work as a carpenter. After suffering a hand injury during the Civil War, he chose a new career and opened a photography studio that still stands on Broadway . . . — — Map (db m157131) HM
Paid Advertisement
54 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Hero of the Red River —
On Superior Street south of Broadway Road (State Highways 13, 16, and 23), on the left when traveling south.
A Wisconsin Pioneer One of the founders of Wisconsin Dells, Joseph Bailey completed the first dam across the Wisconsin River here in 1859. Opposition from upriver lumbermen required the dam's removal in 1860. Bailey's dream to build an . . . — — Map (db m134610) HM
55 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — History of the Wisconsin Dells —
On Broadway near Eddy Street, on the left when traveling east.
In 1634, Jean Nicolet was the first white man to have contact with the Indians of Wisconsin. He was soon followed to this area by French and British explorers, missionaries, adventurers and fur traders. The first white settlers came in the 1840's . . . — — Map (db m157039) HM
56 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Indians -- Flora & Fauna —
Near County Road N.
(two panels, side-by-side) Indians Indian tribes have lived in this area of Wisconsin for centuries. Jean Nicolet, a French Government representative, was the first white man to have contact with the Indians in 1634. . . . — — Map (db m157082) HM
57 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Kilbourn City — Kilbourn Landmark —
On Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) east of Finnegan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
The first bridge on this site, a wooden structure, was completed in 1857. Byron Kilbourn, land speculator and politician promoted the site. Through his influence the LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railroad crossed the river here instead of at Newport, 2 . . . — — Map (db m8047) HM
58 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Kilbourn City — Wisconsin Dells' Original Name —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street.
Downriver sits the ruins of the lost city of Newport. In the early 1850s, the settlement on the Lower Dells developed rapidly, amidst rumors the town was to be the spot of the new LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railroad bridge. Speculators' hopes were . . . — — Map (db m157129) HM
59 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — 177 — Kingsley Bend Indian Mounds —
On State Highway 16 0.4 miles east of County Highway O, on the right when traveling east.
The mounds of this group are a fairly representative sample of those built by the people of the Effigy Mound Culture between A.D. 700-1000. It has been through excavation of other burial mounds quite similar to these that archeologists have learned . . . — — Map (db m7731) HM
60 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial — American Legion —
On Wisconsin Avenue at Church Street, on the left when traveling east on Wisconsin Avenue.
Praise be to God K.I.A. Korea   Durlin Morse Vietnam   Dennis Beard Korea Deceased Korean War Members of Harold B. Larkin Post 187 The American Legion "We honor those veterans who gave of themselves to . . . — — Map (db m80461) WM
61 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Leaping the Chasm —
On County Road N.
WHI 2101 Ashley Bennett, son of photographer H.H. Bennett, jumping to Stand Rock, caught in midair by the instantaneous shutter. — — Map (db m157080) HM
62 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Lumber Raftsmen — Making a Living on the River —
On Illinois Avenue near River Road, on the left when traveling west.
Abundant stands of white pines throughout Northern Wisconsin spurred the first era of big business to the Dells beginning in 1833. Timber logs 70-feet long were floated down to sawmills, where they were cut into rough planks. Lumbermen made their . . . — — Map (db m157133) HM
Paid Advertisement
63 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — Natural Ingenuity — Deep Entrepreneurial Spirit —
Near River Road near Illinois Avenue.
From early settlers and lumber raftsmen, to row boat guides, steamboat captains and modern-day tour operators, love for this unique stretch of the Wisconsin River runs deep as its history. Tourism remains the driving economy for the waterway. Today, . . . — — Map (db m157132) HM
64 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — River Excursions — Leroy Gates - Dells' First River Guide —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street, on the left when traveling north.
River excursions in Wisconsin Dells were born from one man's a-ha moment. Leroy Gates gained notoriety as an expert lumber raft pilot, guiding the bundled wood planks through the tricky waters of the Dells. He began to make a show of his skills, . . . — — Map (db m157036) HM
65 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — 447 — Stroud Bank —
On Broadway Street (State Highway 16/23) east of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
Perry G. Stroud, a young attorney from New York, established this early bank in Kilbourn City, now Wisconsin Dells, in ca. 1870. Over his thirty-year career as the town's first attorney, Stroud preserved much of the city's early documentary history. . . . — — Map (db m7850) HM
66 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — The Ho-Chunk People — People of the Big Voice —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street.
For thousands of years, indigenous people have lived on this land. Wisconsin Dells is home to the Ho-Chunk, whose native land extends from Michigan to Illinois. For centuries, the Ho-Chunk people have gathered in the Dells to revitalize themselves . . . — — Map (db m157127) HM
67 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — The Kilbourn Dam — Harnessing the River —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street.
The year 1908 brought dramatic changes to the Wisconsin River and the Dells. After many attempts at harnessing the power of the river with smaller dams, a new high dam and hydroelectric power plant were built. The Kilbourn Dam split the river into . . . — — Map (db m157126) HM
68 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — The Railroads — Tourism & Commerce —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street, on the left when traveling north.
The arrival of the railroad in 1857 created a boom in tourism as an increased number of sightseers arrived by rail to take scenic boat tours. The Dells of the Wisconsin River had gained notoriety through the photographs of H.H. Bennett. But the . . . — — Map (db m157035) HM
69 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — The Wisconsin River — Man and Nature Converge —
Near Broadway near Eddy Street, on the right when traveling north.
Picture before you a white-rapids river raging between its rocky banks. The early days of the Wisconsin River flowing through this region were not the serene postcard scenes of today. The riverbed and towering sandstone bluffs were formed more than . . . — — Map (db m157037) HM
70 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — This Beauty Is Yours Because Others Before You Love The Dells —
Near River Road.
Henry Hamilton Bennett, pioneer photographer, discovered, pictured and named many of the scenic spots including this, The Witches Gulch. George H. Crandall, and his wife, Nellie Bennett Crandall here acquired, preserved and reforested hundreds of . . . — — Map (db m157073) HM
71 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wisconsin Dells — World War I Roll of Honor — American Legion —
On Wisconsin Avenue east of Church Street, on the left when traveling east.
Deceased WW I Members of Harold B. Larkin Post 187 The American Legion "They Served with Honor" Roll of Honor (W.W. I War Dead) Lawrence S. Christianson Otto Christopherson Hubert Coon Harold B. Larkin Keith L. . . . — — Map (db m80577) WM
Paid Advertisement
72 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wyocena — Civil War Monument —
Near North Polk Street near East Polk Street.
In memory of our comrads. Buried in unknown graves. ——— Henry R. Coffin. Charles Bloom. John Chapman. Co. G. 2d Reg. Wis. Vol. • Clovis V. Bushnell. Co. B. 40th Reg. Wis. Vol. • . . . — — Map (db m37975) HM
73 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wyocena — 561 — Columbia County Asylum Cemetery — "Potter’s Field" —
On Crawford Drive, on the right when traveling west.
This plot of land, locally known as "Potter's Field", served as the final resting place for nearly 250 residents of the Columbia County Asylum. Indigent asylum residents left unclaimed by family members were buried here from 1871 until 1971, nearly . . . — — Map (db m185566) HM
74 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wyocena — Dickason Park / Toppe Field — Major Dickason / Erhardt Toppe —
On East Monroe Street (County Highway G) at South Jackson Street on East Monroe Street.
Major Dickason Major Elbert Dickason founded Wyocena in 1843. He platted and named the village in 1846. He was instrumental in Wyocena being temporarily named the county seat. He died in 1848 and is buried in the Wyocena Cemetery. Erhardt . . . — — Map (db m37115) HM
75 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wyocena — 468 — Major Elbert Dickason / Dickason's "Hotel" —
On Lovers Lane east of North Washington Street (Wisconsin Highway 22), on the right when traveling east.
Major Elbert Dickason Major Elbert Dickason founder of Wyocena, was born in Virginia in 1799. He moved to Illinois where he joined their militia during the Black Hawk War. Representing a Milwaukee land investor, he founded Columbus in 1839. . . . — — Map (db m22839) HM
76 ► Wisconsin, Columbia County, Wyocena — 550 — Wyona Park / Rifle Pit Legend —
Near County Road GG 0.4 miles north of County Highway G.
Wyona Park This site has traditionally been a popular picnic area for Wyocena residents. As early as 1905, approximately 1,000 people attended an insurance company picnic at this location. In 1948, Gordon Spear, a lifetime Wyocena resident, . . . — — Map (db m36448) HM
77 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Belleville — Early Belleville / Library Park —
On South Park Street (State Highway 92) at East Pearl Street, on the right when traveling south on South Park Street.
(side 1) Early Belleville Finding a mill site on the Sugar River, founder John Frederick settled here in 1845. His mill prompted "Yankee" settlement and a village developed with a hotel/tavern, blacksmith, harness maker and general . . . — — Map (db m59539) HM
78 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Belleville — 329 — Primrose Lutheran Church —
On Ridge Drive at Primrose Center Road, on the right when traveling west on Ridge Drive.
In the mid-nineteenth century, many newly arrived Norwegian immigrants in southern Wisconsin depended upon the spiritual and practical guidance of itinerant Lutheran ministers to help successfully adapt to the new land. One of the most influential . . . — — Map (db m55047) HM
79 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Belleville — 9 — St. Raphael's Frenchtown Cemetery —
On French Town Road 1 mile east of Wisconsin Highway 69, on the right when traveling east.
Final resting place of early French emigrants and their descendants. Coming directly to the Montrose-Belleville community from St. Germain in eastern France, 32 families arrived beginning in the early 1850's. Unique and isolated, the group . . . — — Map (db m37296) HM
80 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Black Earth — 30 — Patrons' Mercantile Co-op — Oldest Cooperative in the Nation —
On Mills Street (State Highway 78) at Spring Street, on the right when traveling south on Mills Street.
Town of Vermont farmers, beset by a depressed economy in the early 1890's, organized a company to obtain quality products at fair prices. Amos Thorsrud was the first general manager. He and Nels Simley toured local farms to sell $10 shares in a . . . — — Map (db m41930) HM
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81 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Black Earth — Vermont Creek —
On County Road JJ 0.1 miles west of State Highway 78, on the left when traveling west.
This once clear tributary to the Wisconsin River now carries tons of soil from croplands on ridges and slopes. Silver maples, willows and box elders grow on the soil deposited by erosion. The low peaty meadows on both sides of the creek serve as a . . . — — Map (db m36987) HM
82 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — 29 — Blue Mounds Fort —
On County Route ID at Division Street (County Route F), on the left when traveling east on County Route ID.
The onset of the Black Hawk War in northwestern Illinois in April, 1832 triggered panic in southwestern Wisconsin's lead mining region, prompting erection of over a dozen stockades. On an open prairie knoll 3/4 mile south of this marker, area miners . . . — — Map (db m35412) HM
83 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — Brigham Park —
Near County Route F 0.8 miles north of Cave of the Mounds Road, on the right when traveling north.
You are looking north from the Military Ridge toward Mazomanie, which lies in the Wisconsin River Valley. Beyond the Wisconsin River bluffs, on a clear day, the higher Baraboo Hills can be seen 35 miles away. These hills, with some of the oldest . . . — — Map (db m224707) HM
84 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — 18 — Brigham Park —
Near County Route F 0.8 miles north of Cave of the Mounds Road, on the right when traveling north.
Ebenezer Brigham (1789-1861), first permanent white settler of Dane County, came here as a prospector in 1828. The inn he built for his miners became popular with travelers on the old Military Road, and Blue Mounds became a well-known landmark. . . . — — Map (db m224706) HM
85 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — Elvers Corner — Vermont Township —
On County Highway J at County Highway JJ, on the right when traveling north on County Highway J.
This corner has a colorful background as the site of a saw mill, grist mill, post office, grocery store, hotel, blacksmith shop, dance hall and until 1958 the Town Hall. In 1847 Samuel Lattimer built a saw mill that operated until 1865 when it was . . . — — Map (db m55592) HM
86 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — 38 — German Valley — Evangelical Lutheran Parochial Schule —
On South Erbe Road 2 miles south of U.S. 18-151, on the left when traveling south.
German immigrant families from Hesse began settling in this area of Blue Mounds Township in the 1840s. As early as 1856, Lutheran missionaries conducted home services for the rural community. In 1867, on acreage purchased from Justus Heuser, a frame . . . — — Map (db m75828) HM
87 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Blue Mounds — Site of Blue Mounds Fort —
Near County Highway F 0.2 miles south of U.S. 151, on the right when traveling south.
Built in May 1832 by the miners and settlers of the neighborhood and garrisoned by them as volunteer members of General Henry Dodge's Iowa-Michigan Brigade from May 20 to September 20, 1832 during the Black Hawk War This site was donated . . . — — Map (db m36980) HM
88 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cambridge — 11 — Koshkonong —
On East Church Road 0.4 miles west of Hillside Road, on the right when traveling west.
Koshkonong Prairie with its twin churches at both East and West Koshkonong is one of the focal points from which Norwegian Lutheranism spread to many parts of the American continent. In 1844 at the request of pioneer Norwegian immigrants . . . — — Map (db m36145) HM
89 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cottage Grove — 17 — The Wisconsin Granger Movement —
On West Cottage Grove Road (County Highway Bb) 0.5 miles west of Main Street (County Highway N), on the left when traveling west.
The Cottage Grove Grange, which became a leader in the state and national Grange movement, had its meeting hall near this site shortly after the Civil War. As a community center it became a significant cultural and social influence for pioneer farm . . . — — Map (db m37290) HM
90 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cross Plains — Festge Park —
Near Scherbel Road, on the right when traveling north.
You are looking across a deep preglacial valley. Once glacial meltwaters drained west to the Wisconsin River, depositing sand and gravel brought south to Middleton by the giant ice sheets. Today, winding through this unglaciated outwash plain is . . . — — Map (db m36988) HM
91 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cross Plains — 15 — Haney's Tavern —
On County Road P 0.3 miles south of U.S. 14, on the left when traveling south.
In 1838 at the foot of this bluff Berry Haney, a migrant from Cross Plains, Tennessee, established the Cross Plains Post Office in a log house. Early Cross Plains was the site of important military road crossings and Haney became the pioneer . . . — — Map (db m32617) HM
92 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cross Plains — Kerl School — (Dist. No. 6) —
On Otto Kerl Road at County Highway KP, on the right when traveling south on Otto Kerl Road.
Land for the Kerl School was donated by Otto Kerl, farmer and homeopathic practitioner. The school was built of native limestone by John Miller for $325 and opened in 1874. Early teachers earned $25 to $30 per month. From 1887 to 1907, there were . . . — — Map (db m41963) HM
93 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cross Plains — The Matz Farmstead — 1852 - 2012 —
On State Highway 19 at Matz Road, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 19.
You are standing in front of the stone remnants of the Matz farmhouse. The land was first homesteaded in 1852. Friedrich describes the initial living quarters as, “An American farmer isn’t set up right away like a German, he simply builds himself . . . — — Map (db m108764) HM
94 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Cross Plains — The Plain Good Building of Cross Plains —
On Main Street (U.S. 14) at American Legion Drive, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Construction on this site began in 1854. Time had reduced this building nearly to ruin during 143 years of service to this community. With great skill and uncompromising attention to detail, it was completely restored during the winter of 1997-1998 . . . — — Map (db m41395) HM
95 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Daleyville — 2 — Hauge Log Church - 1852 —
On County Route Z 0.5 miles west of Wisconsin Highway 78, on the left when traveling north.
Early Norse pioneers who realized a need for a house of worship built the first Norwegian Lutheran Church in western Dane County from logs in the winter of 1851-52. First services held May 27, 1852 by the Rev. A.C. Preus. Previous itinerant pastors . . . — — Map (db m36718) HM
96 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Dane — 42 — Nathan Dane —
On East Main Street (State Highway 113) 0.1 miles west of 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west.
Dane County was created by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature in 1836. Judge James Doty had convinced the Legislature to select Madison as the Capital and name the surrounding county in honor of Nathan Dane, a compiler of the Ordinance of 1787, . . . — — Map (db m37643) HM
97 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Dane — 26 — Old Military Road - 100 Mile Point —
On Dunroven Road at County Road DM, on the right when traveling south on Dunroven Road.
In July, 1833, Lt. Alexander Center blazed a nearby oak, marking the 100-mile point of a military road he and James Doty were surveying. The Old Military Road, built from 1835 to 1837, connected Ft. Crawford at Prairie du Chien, Ft. Winnebago at . . . — — Map (db m36907) HM
98 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Deerfield — Goose Lake —
On County Highway BB 0.5 miles east of Krueger Road, on the left when traveling east.
To your left is a "drumlin," a long streamlined hill formed by the last glacier about 15,000 years ago. A vast field of 40 drumlins, all pointing southwest, can be seen from high points in this area. Centuries ago, marshes, bogs and lakes formed in . . . — — Map (db m42378) HM
99 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, Deerfield — Liberty School —
On Oak Park Road (County Highway W) 0.2 miles north of Highway 12 & 18 (U.S. 18), on the right when traveling north.
In recognition of the ministries of teaching and learning that took place on this site at Liberty School built in 1927 and in use as a public school through 1967 and as a church facility through 2007 — — Map (db m274097) HM
100 ► Wisconsin, Dane County, DeForest — 32 — Andreas Dahl — 1844-1923 —
On South Main Street (County Highway CV) near Holum Street, on the right when traveling south.
Andreas Dahl came to DeForest from Valdres, Norway in 1869. For more than a decade as an itinerant photographer in southern Wisconsin, he took pictures that captured the essence of life at that time. His studio stood to the north of this site and . . . — — Map (db m37005) HM

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Sep. 26, 2026