Historical Markers in
La Crosse County, Wisconsin

10th and Jackson 11th and Cameron 12th and La Crosse 15th and Madison 15th and Winnebago 16th and State 8th and King 9th and Ferry A Legend in His Own Time: Dr D. Franklin Powell, or "White Beaver" Campbell Cemetery G.A.R. Memorial Concordia Hall Dedicated to the Memory of Veterans of the Civil War First Complete Service of Christian Divine Worship German Methodist Episcopal Churches Group of Indian Mounds Half Way Creek Parsonage Site Hamlin Garland Hamlin Garland Hanifl Market History of Flagpole La Crosse: "A Choice Town" Losey Memorial Luther College Major General C.C. Washburn Myrick Park Mounds Original Home Built By Gottlieb and Johanna Heileman Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel Quarrying the Bluffs of La Crosse Red Cloud Park Sidewheel Riverboat War Eagle Spence Park The Coulee Region The Driftless Area of Wisconsin The McGilvray "Seven Bridges Road" The Mindoro Cut The Upper Mississippi The Valley View Site Village of Neshonoc Wesley United Methodist Church Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway "Get into the game!"
Green Bay is the oldest continuously settled town in Wisconsin, dating back to the early 1600s.
Wisconsin random facts
La Crosse County, located in the state of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Dakota Sioux. French explorers arrived in the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th century that European settlement began in earnest.

In the early 1800s, fur trading posts were established along the Mississippi River, attracting trappers and traders to the region. The region's location on the river made it a vital transportation hub, and it quickly grew as a result. La Crosse, the county seat, was founded in 1851, named after a game played by the Native Americans in the area.

The mid-19th century saw significant growth in La Crosse County, driven by the logging industry and river trade. The county became a major lumber production center, with sawmills dotting the riverbanks. The arrival of the railroads in the late 1800s further spurred economic development in the area, facilitating the export of goods and the influx of new residents.

La Crosse County is also known for its education and healthcare institutions. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was established in 1909 and has become a prominent educational institution in the region. The area is also home to Gundersen Health System, a leading healthcare provider.

Today, La Crosse County is a vibrant community known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural events. It has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from healthcare and education to manufacturing and tourism. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, historic sites, and events that showcase its heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of La Crosse County, Wisconsin.

  • 1836 - La Crosse County is officially established.
  • 1851 - The first permanent European settler, Nathan Myrick, builds a trading post near the Black River.
  • 1853 - La Crosse becomes the county seat.
  • 1856 - The Milwaukee Road railway reaches La Crosse, boosting the area's economy.
  • 1863 - The La Crosse River Railroad is established, connecting La Crosse to Sparta.
  • 1884 - The La Crosse Public Library opens its doors.
  • 1906 - The La Crosse County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1949 - The La Crosse Municipal Airport opens.
  • 1967 - The city of La Crosse experiences a major flood, causing significant damage.
  • 1978 - The La Crosse Center, a multi-purpose arena, is constructed.
  • 1997 - The Great River State Trail is opened for recreational use.
  • 2001 - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse celebrates its centennial.