Island of Happy Days
a.k.a. Stout's Lodge
Stout Island, Red Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, WI Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The world's largest music festival, Summerfest, takes place in Milwaukee each year. It has been held annually since 1968 and features over 800 acts performing on 11 stages over 11 days.
The first European explorers arrived in the late 1600s, with French fur traders establishing trade relationships with the Ojibwe people. In the early 1800s, the area became part of the United States through the Treaties of 1837 and 1842, leading to increased European settlement. The county was officially organized in 1859 and named after Henry D. Barron, a lawyer and politician from Wisconsin.
The 19th century saw rapid growth in Barron County, driven by logging and agriculture. The vast timber resources attracted logging companies, which transformed the landscape and led to the establishment of numerous sawmills. Agriculture also thrived, with settlers clearing the land for farming and raising livestock. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic growth and facilitated transportation of goods.
During the early 20th century, Barron County continued to develop economically and socially. The lumber industry gradually declined, giving way to new industries like dairy farming, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's rural beauty and recreational opportunities, including its many lakes and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, attracted visitors from neighboring cities.
Today, Barron County is a thriving community with a diverse economy and a population that values its natural resources. The county is known for its strong agricultural sector, manufacturing industry, and the Barron Area School District, which provides quality education to residents. Barron County also holds various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Barron County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barron County, Wisconsin.
- 1800 - The Dakota and Ojibwa tribes are the primary inhabitants of the area that would become Barron County.
- 1800s - European settlers begin to arrive and establish small settlements.
- 1851 - Barron County is founded and organized.
- 1871 - The first railroad is built in the county, leading to increased economic growth.
- Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county, with dairy farming and lumber production being prominent.
- 1920s - The construction of highways and improved transportation infrastructure further boosts the local economy.
- Mid-1900s - Barron County experiences a decline in its lumber industry but diversifies its economy through manufacturing and services.
- 2002 - The county is hit by a devastating tornado that causes significant damage and loss of life.
- Present - Barron County continues to be a thriving community with a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service industries.