National Register Listing

Fountain Lake Farm

a.k.a. Wisconsin Farm Home of John Muir

Co. Hwy. F and Gillette Rd., Montello, WI
Local significance of the site:
Conservation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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 House on the Rock, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a unique tourist attraction that features a bizarre collection of antiques, automata, and other oddities. It was built by architect Alex Jordan Jr. in the 1940s and 1950s.
Wisconsin random facts
Marquette County, located in central Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Menominee, who lived off the land and utilized the nearby rivers and lakes for trade and transportation.

European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 19th century, attracted by the availability of fertile land and natural resources. In 1836, Marquette County was officially established, named after the renowned French explorer Jacques Marquette. The county's proximity to the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers made it an important hub for trade and transportation during this time.

The mid-19th century brought significant developments to Marquette County. The railroad arrived in the area, spurring economic growth and connecting the county's communities to larger markets. Agricultural practices evolved, with corn and dairy becoming prominent industries. As the population grew, small towns and villages sprouted up across the county, each contributing to its unique character and charm.

Throughout the 20th century, Marquette County continued to flourish. The county saw advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, improving the lives of its residents. Today, Marquette County boasts a thriving economy, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism driving its success. The county's natural beauty, with its numerous lakes, parks, and recreational opportunities, makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a nod to its rich history and promising future, Marquette County remains a vibrant and welcoming community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marquette County, Wisconsin.

  • 1829 - Marquette County was established as a county in the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1854 - The first European settlers arrived in the area.
  • 1856 - The village of Oxford was founded.
  • 1857 - Marquette County's first courthouse was built in Montello.
  • 1859 - The city of Montello was incorporated.
  • 1864 - The village of Westfield was established.
  • 1867 - The village of Montello was incorporated.
  • 1871 - The Wisconsin Central Railroad reached Montello, spurring growth in the county.
  • 1873 - The village of Mecan was founded.
  • 1882 - The village of Packwaukee was incorporated.
  • 1893 - The city of Westfield was incorporated.
  • 1914 - The Montello Granite Company opened, contributing to the local economy.
  • 1930 - The construction of the Montello Hydroelectric dam was completed.
  • 1958 - The village of Endeavor was incorporated.
  • 2010 - The village of Neshkoro was incorporated.