Historical Markers and War Memorials in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is the county seat for Door County
Sturgeon Bay is in Door County
Door County(149) ► ADJACENT TO DOOR COUNTY Brown County(101) ► Kewaunee County(36) ► Marinette County(17) ► Oconto County(12) ► Benzie County, Michigan(14) ► Delta County, Michigan(35) ► Leelanau County, Michigan(22) ► Menominee County, Michigan(10) ►
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On West Maple Street at North Kendall Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West Maple Street.
Most popular and widely accepted Christian hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" completed by Rev. George Bennard during Evangelistic meetings here Dec. 29, 1912 - Jan. 12, 1913
First sung as a quartet in the Friends Church Parlors and as a duet at . . . — — Map (db m59215) HM
On North 3rd Avenue at Kentucky Street on North 3rd Avenue.
A modern rendition of Bank of Sturgeon Bay's original tower erected in 1900 on the NW corner of 3rd Ave. & Kentucky St., and removed in 1939. The original bell was reacquired with the cooperation of the First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay where it . . . — — Map (db m15722) HM
On Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The Coast Guard built 207 UTBs, at a cost of $235,000 for each boat, all at the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, from 1973 to 1978. The 41-ft. UTB has been one of the most successful boats in Coast Guard history, ably serving as the . . . — — Map (db m89920) HM
This steel air funnel is from the iron ore carrier Middleton. This ship was also known as Nashanic, Gulfoil, and Pioneer Challenger. The vessel was built at the Bethlehem Steel Company Shipyard at Sparrows Point, . . . — — Map (db m89900) HM
On Madison Avenue at Locust Court, on the right when traveling north on Madison Avenue.
This anchor was recovered in Northern Lake Michigan in 1979 by the crew of the USCG cutter/buoy tender Acacia when that ship was stationed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. It was assumed that the anchor got fouled in the rocks and could not be . . . — — Map (db m89905) HM
On North 3rd Avenue (County Highway B) near Delaware Street, on the left when traveling north.
This sawmill led to the
founding of Sturgeon Bay
1853
The Founding of Little Lake
Sturgeon Bay's first major settlement was founded in 1853 with the construction of the Bradley-Crandall Sawmill. The original mill was located on a . . . — — Map (db m26859) HM
Sailors have long used floating objects secured to the sea bottom to mark reefs, shoals and other obstructions. Early markers were simply a log or barrel tied to a large rock strategically placed to warn mariners of danger. Over time these markers . . . — — Map (db m145888) HM
These vertical drums revolved on a spindle and were used for generating power required in heaving on a rope or an achor cable.
Donated by Janice D. Turner Pfingsten in memory of Elmer W. Richter, USCG — — Map (db m131461) HM
Born in Tysse, Norway, where steep cliffs and narrow inlets receive the sea, John Roen answered the call to a life of adventure, traveling to the U.S. in 1906. He became a Captain in 1920, and through astute purchases of Great Lakes vessels he . . . — — Map (db m89854) HM
Near Park Drive (County Highway PD) 2.4 miles north of Green Bay Road (State Highway 42 / 57), on the right when traveling north.
Behind you, Government Bluff rises 150 feet above the waters of Sturgeon Bay. It was here that Door County’s first industry began in 1834 — a limestone quarry. Originally intended for a military fort that was never constructed, the stone was . . . — — Map (db m74258) HM
On Madison Avenue north of Larch Street, on the right when traveling north.
This light tower was used by the Coast Guard to mark Dunlap Reef, which is east of the navigation channel and north of the railroad bridge spur. (Bay View Park) in Sturgeon Bay.
Purchased with funds provided by Door County Marine Men's Club — — Map (db m90974) HM
This site marks the Eastern Terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Trail was designated a National Scenic Trail by Congress in 1980 and Wisconsin's first State Scenic Trail in 1987. The Western Terminus is in Interstate State Park on . . . — — Map (db m39249) HM
With a maritime career begun in 1941 at Peterson Boat Works stockroom, Ellsworth attended the USMMA [United States Merchant Marine Academy] Kings Point and sailed on tankers in WWII. He rejoined his family's business, learned the tools of the . . . — — Map (db m89881) HM
Fred started his career in 1908 in his father's boatyard, Peterson Boat Works (PBW), at age 14. After PBW burned in 1918, Fred worked as a shipbuilding supervisor at Leathem Smith Shipyard. A resourceful entrepreneur, he was involved in . . . — — Map (db m89860) HM
George J. "Butch" Baudhuin was a primary force in the pleasure boat industry in Door County. Recognizing Sturgeon Bay's unique location connecting Lake Michigan and Green Bay, he began Baudhuin Yacht Harbor (now Sturgeon Bay Yacht Harbor) in 1944, . . . — — Map (db m89855) HM
On 3rd Avenue at Kentucky Street, on the right when traveling south on 3rd Avenue.
This visually prominent building is a handsome example of the two-part commercial block style common during the period. It originally anchored what was once downtown's principal business corner prior to the completion of the Michigan Street Bridge . . . — — Map (db m89958) HM
On North 3rd Avenue at Kentucky Street on North 3rd Avenue.
The Downtown Historic District includes over forty late 19th and early 20th century commercial, civic and converted buildings. It is located along the three block long heart of Sturgeon Bay's traditional downtown. The District grew as a casual grid . . . — — Map (db m26885) HM
Howard loved the water, sailing and knew all about ships. He was a sailor, shipbuilder, boat launcher, and a long-time DCMM docent. He couldn't wait to sail each spring.
Lou was a great supporter of Howard. She cared for their home, children, . . . — — Map (db m89897) HM
On West Juniper Street near North Lansing Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Joseph Harris, Sr. recognized as the Father of Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, was born in London, England in 1813 and emigrated to the United States in 1849. Coming to Door County in 1855, he became involved in real estate. He built the first brick . . . — — Map (db m191568) HM
On Columbia Avenue north of Green Bay Road (Wisconsin Highway 42/57), on the right when traveling north.
Caring - Compassionate - Loving
Co-Founder of Overland Bolling Company
Committed and devoted to his Customers and Employees
Remembered for his warm friendly smile
Lived his life by these simple words
You Reap What You Sow"
"Be The Best . . . — — Map (db m89827) HM
United States Coast Guard Radio Tower
Karl Overland
Co-Founder of Overland Bolling Company
Founded in 1956
Lived his life by these simple words
"You Reap What You Sow"
"Be The Best That You Can Be
In This Land of . . . — — Map (db m89884) HM
Near Bay Shore Drive (County Highway B) 0.4 miles north of Bay Shore Heights Drive, on the left when traveling north.
John Leathem and Thomas Smith established this dolomite quarry at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay in 1893. Though they produced dimension stone for building harbors around Lake Michigan, Leathem and Smith's quarry became a major operation by capitalizing . . . — — Map (db m39345) HM
For many centuries, mariners have traversed the Great Lakes to deliver passengers and cargo, to gather fish, and to enjoy the splendid waters. This plaque is dedicated to those who lost their lives in this great water wilderness: the commercial . . . — — Map (db m89853) HM
On 3rd Avenue south of Michigan Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Henry S. Baird Masonic Lodge was initially established in 1878 and was housed in a number of locations around downtown [illegible] 50 years before establishing a permanent home at this location. The building was designed by local architect . . . — — Map (db m89962) HM
On Madison Avenue north of Larch Street, on the right when traveling north.
This cast iron propeller and stirrup bearing unit is from the Steamer Wotum, which was built in 1893. This historic ship was 190 feet long, had a 36-foot beam, and weighed 936 gross tons. A steam engine was installed about 1910 - fore and . . . — — Map (db m90975) HM
These two propellers were removed from the John Purves during her renovation in 2007 and wrapped with rope for display.
They were originally installed in 1957 when the vessel was converted from steam to diesel power at the Sturgeon Bay . . . — — Map (db m89886) HM
On Michigan Street west of North 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This building was built as a library through a $12,500 Carnegie Foundation grant to the Sturgeon Bay Library Association. It was designed by local architect Fred D. Crandall and served the Sturgeon Bay community until 1974 when a new library was . . . — — Map (db m191571) HM
Bob Peterson lived on the water, worked on the water and played on the water. In 1939 he officially joined Peterson Builders Inc., the shipyard started by his father, Fred. After several military deferments, he enlisted in the army and served as . . . — — Map (db m89858) HM
In the early 1850's Robert Laurie and his family immigrated to the United States from Glasgow, Scotland. They bought land north of the village of Sturgeon Bay in an area now known as Sevastopol. Mr. Laurie, a sailor and shipbuilder by trade, found . . . — — Map (db m89852) HM
The schooner was found off Bailey's Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin. The rudder was brought up from Lake Michigan by Century Divers of Lake County, Illinois. It is estimated to be from about 1827. — — Map (db m131469) HM
On Madison Avenue north of Locust Court, on the right when traveling north.
This plaque is given by the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in grateful recognition of the United States Coast Guard, for its long and storied history of steadfast service in Wisconsin. On the mighty Mississippi River, the . . . — — Map (db m89903) HM WM
Much of the history of the City of Sturgeon Bay has been shaped by the comings and goings of all manner of ships and boats. The marine propeller played an important role as these vessels transitioned from sail to steam as their primary means of . . . — — Map (db m131476) HM
Mounted on the stern of the ship over the rudder, the double wheel was used to steer the ship in the event of a breakdown of the regular steering system. The two wheels provided space for additional "man" power.
Donated by John and Robert Purves . . . — — Map (db m131467) HM
Resting 150 yards off shore from here is the wreckage of the steam barge Joys, a vessel once hailed as a “greyhound among lumber carriers” for her record-breaking speed. The Joys was constructed in 1884 in the Milwaukee Ship Yard . . . — — Map (db m43400) HM
On Madison Avenue north of Larch Street, on the right when traveling north.
This engine is from the Mercury (length 250.8, beam 43.01), which was built by the Pennsylvania Shipyard of Beaumont, Texas. She was launched in June 1937 for Tankers, Inc. before moving to Lakeland Tankers Ltd., its Canadian subsidiary in . . . — — Map (db m90979) HM
Near Canal Road east of Buffalo Ridge Road, on the right when traveling east. Reported missing.
This canal was the dream of Joseph Harris, Sr., "the Father of the Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal." His intent was not only to provide a shorter and safer route for sailing vessels, but to also become rich by selling building lots along . . . — — Map (db m15196) HM
On Madison Avenue at Sturgeon Bay, on the right when traveling north on Madison Avenue.
This property is listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
and the
Citizens For Our Bridge
organization
Opened July 4, 1931 . . . — — Map (db m90978) HM
When Sturgeon Bay was settled in the 1850's a boat was needed to cross the bay except in winter when people and teams of horses or oxen could cross over the ice. Ferry service was established beginning in 1860, using rowed or winch pulled ferries . . . — — Map (db m131478) HM
Completion of this waterborne shortcut between Green Bay and Lake Michigan in 1878 is arguably the most important event in the maritime history of the City of Sturgeon Bay and the Door Peninsula as a whole. Officially titled "The Sturgeon Bay and . . . — — Map (db m131489) HM
An essential element to safe maritime travel has long been visual navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses. Collectively, this system of markers and beacons is known as Aids to Navigation - or AtoN for short. The five Great Lakes alone . . . — — Map (db m131506) HM
Prior to merging with the City of Sturgeon Bay in 1891, the west side of the bay was known as Sawyer. Despite being absorbed into Sturgeon Bay, the west side continued to be called Sawyer for many years and many landmarks bear the Sawyer name, . . . — — Map (db m145896) HM
Revenue Marine and Coast Guard vessels, known as "cutters," have been frequent visitors to the port of Sturgeon Bay for decades. The Door Peninsula's many lighthouses also made Sturgeon Bay a frequent port-of-call for U.S. Lighthouse Service tenders . . . — — Map (db m167608) HM
For over 140 years, the City of Sturgeon Bay has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the United States Coast Guard and its predecessor services. In 1873 the Lighthouse Establishment began setting buoys to mark the treacherous Dunlap Reef . . . — — Map (db m167609) HM
From the earliest days of humans putting to sea in ships, there has been a need to "anchor" a vessel to the bottom. The first anchors were simply large stones. However, the need for a lighter, more efficient securing device quickly became essential. . . . — — Map (db m131502) HM
In pioneer times, private boats and commercial ferries were used to cross the waters of Sturgeon Bay. In 1887 the crossing became considerable [sic] easier when John D. Leathem and Thomas H. Smith completed a toll bridge consisting of a wooden plank . . . — — Map (db m43677) HM
On State Highway 42 near Maple Heights Circle (unmarked private farm road).
In 1858 Joseph Zettel, a native of Switzerland, acquired the farm directly south of this Station and established the first commercial orchard on the Door Peninsula. The high yields and quality of his fruit aroused the interest of Emmett S. Goff of . . . — — Map (db m5190) HM
Near Canal Road east of Buffalo Ridge Road, on the right when traveling east.
This monument is an intrusive igneous red granite rock — the official rock of the State of Wisconsin. It was quarried near Wausau, Wisconsin, and specifically known as "Wisconsin Ruby Red." It was crystallized from magma about 1750 million . . . — — Map (db m15205) HM
