Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower
3740 County PD, Nasewaupee, WI Local significance of the structure: Architecture; Entertainment/recreation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Wisconsin is known as the "Badger State" because of the lead miners who first settled there in the 1820s and 1830s. These miners often lived in tunnels burrowed into hillsides, much like badgers.
About Door County
Door County Timeline
Door County, Wisconsin, located on a beautiful peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi and Menominee Native American tribes, who relied on the waters and forests for their sustenance. European explorers first arrived in the late 17th century, with the French claiming the region as part of New France.
In the early 19th century, the United States gained control of the area through the Treaty of Chicago. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the 1830s, drawn to the fertile soil and abundant fish and wildlife. Settlements quickly sprang up along the coast, with fishing, farming, and shipbuilding becoming key industries. The name "Door County" is believed to have originated from the treacherous passage between the peninsula and Washington Island, known as "Death's Door," due to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred there.
By the late 1800s, Door County had become a popular vacation destination due to its natural beauty and cool summer climate. Wealthy Chicago and Milwaukee residents built summer cottages along the coast, many of which still stand today as charming bed and breakfasts or historic sites. The tourism industry flourished, fueled by the picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and the opportunity to enjoy water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Over the years, Door County has continued to evolve while preserving its natural, small-town charm. The region has become known for its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals celebrating local talent. Today, Door County is a popular year-round destination, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and warm hospitality. Whether visitors come for the beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, or to experience its rich history firsthand, Door County offers something for everyone.
In the early 19th century, the United States gained control of the area through the Treaty of Chicago. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the 1830s, drawn to the fertile soil and abundant fish and wildlife. Settlements quickly sprang up along the coast, with fishing, farming, and shipbuilding becoming key industries. The name "Door County" is believed to have originated from the treacherous passage between the peninsula and Washington Island, known as "Death's Door," due to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred there.
By the late 1800s, Door County had become a popular vacation destination due to its natural beauty and cool summer climate. Wealthy Chicago and Milwaukee residents built summer cottages along the coast, many of which still stand today as charming bed and breakfasts or historic sites. The tourism industry flourished, fueled by the picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and the opportunity to enjoy water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Over the years, Door County has continued to evolve while preserving its natural, small-town charm. The region has become known for its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals celebrating local talent. Today, Door County is a popular year-round destination, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and warm hospitality. Whether visitors come for the beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, or to experience its rich history firsthand, Door County offers something for everyone.
Door County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Door County, Wisconsin.
- 1634: French explorer Jean Nicolet is the first known European to explore Door County.
- 1781: British fur trader John Lawe establishes a trading post on Washington Island.
- 1817: The United States establishes a fort on Washington Island to protect its interests in the fur trade.
- 1836: Door County is created as a separate county in the Wisconsin Territory.
- 1853: The first permanent settlers establish homes in the county, including Hagen and Jacobsen families.
- 1857: The first lighthouse on the Great Lakes is built on Rock Island, marking the entrance to Death's Door passage.
- 1870s: Tourism begins to develop in Door County, with vacationers attracted to the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- 1893: The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal is completed, improving shipping access to the county.
- Early 1900s: Cherry orchards become a major industry in Door County, with the area becoming known as the "Cherryland USA."
- 1949: The Door County Maritime Museum opens in Sturgeon Bay, celebrating the county's rich maritime history.
- 1965: The Door County Historical Museum opens in Sturgeon Bay, preserving and showcasing the county's history.
- 1986: Peninsula State Park is named one of the top 10 state parks in the nation by Money Magazine, further boosting tourism in the area.
- 2000s: Door County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and cultural attractions.