Folding Furniture Works Building
a.k.a. Lullabye Furniture Warehouse and Plywood Mill
1020 First St., Stevens Point, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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.
The first permanent European settlement in Portage County was established in 1836, with Plover being one of the earliest communities founded. The area quickly grew, with other towns like Stevens Point, Amherst, and Junction City being established as well. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to the county's growth and economic development.
One significant event in Portage County's history was the Wisconsin Central Railway becoming the largest landowner in the county during the late 1800s. This led to the establishment of additional towns and villages along the railway lines, enhancing transportation and commerce in the area.
In the 20th century, Portage County continued to evolve. The expansion of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the 1960s brought a strong educational presence to the area, contributing to the development of a diverse and thriving community. Today, Portage County is known for its agricultural industry, natural beauty, and vibrant arts and culture scene.
Overall, Portage County has a rich and diverse history, shaped by the contributions of Native American tribes, European settlers, and subsequent waves of immigrants. Its evolution from a rural settlement to a thriving county is a testament to the hard work and resilience of its residents throughout the centuries.
Portage County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Portage County, Wisconsin.
- 1836 - Portage County is created as a county in the Wisconsin Territory.
- 1844 - The first settlers, George Stevens and his family, arrive in what is now known as Stevens Point.
- 1847 - Stevens Point becomes the county seat of Portage County.
- 1857 - Stevens Point is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1871 - The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is established as the Stevens Point Normal School, which later becomes a university.
- 1881 - The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Stevens Point, leading to increased trade and economic growth in the county.
- 1894 - The Stevens Point Brewery is founded and becomes a major employer and contributor to the local economy.
- 1909 - The Plover River State Fish Hatchery is established, becoming one of the largest fish hatcheries in the United States.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Portage County, causing significant economic challenges for the region.
- 1940s - World War II leads to an increased demand for goods and services, stimulating the county's economy.
- 1964 - The Portage County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
- 1979 - The Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) is built, becoming the largest high school in the county.