Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

American Club ATLANTA (steam screw) Shipwreck Badger State Tanning Company Balzer, John, Wagon Works Complex Blackstock, Thomas M. and Bridget, House Byron (schooner) Shipwreck Cole Historic District Downtown Churches Historic District Downtown Historic District Downtown Plymouth Historic District Elkhart Lake Road Race Circuits Foeste, Henry Store, Building Franklin Feed Mill Friendship House Garton Toy Company Glenbeulah Mill/Grist Mill Gooseville Mill/Grist Mill HETTY TAYLOR (shipwreck) Hotel Laack Huson, Henry H., House and Water Tower Imig, Henry and Charles, Block Jung Carriage Factory Jung Shoe Manufacturing Company Factory Kohler Company Factory Complex Kohler, John Michael, House Lueder, Rudolph, 13 Sided Barn Mission House Historic District MONTGOMERY shipwreck (schooner) Onion River Flouring Mill/Grist Mill Plymouth Post Office Prange, Eliza, House Rietz, Charles T. and Gertrude, House Riverbend ROBERT C. PRINGLE (tug) Shipwreck Robinson, Charles, House Robinson-Herrling Sawmill Roth, Henry and Henriette, House S and R Cheese Company SELAH CHAMBERLAIN (bulk carrier) Shipwreck Sheboygan County Courthouse Sheboygan Municipal Auditorium and Armory Sheboygan Post Office Sheboygan Press, The Sheboygan Theater Sheboygan Valley Land and Lime Company Siebken's Resort SILVER LAKE (scow-schooner) Shipwreck St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church Taylor, David, House Third Ward School Thomas, I. C., Drug Store Villa Laun Villa Von Baumbach Wade, Sylvanus, House WALTER B. ALLEN (canaller) Shipwreck Washington Elementary School Windway Wolff-Jung Company Shoe Factory

Sheboygan County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ojibwe, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods.

European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century when fur traders and explorers arrived, including the famous French explorer Jean Nicolet. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1830s, with the community of Sheboygan Falls being established in 1836. The early settlers primarily engaged in logging and farming, taking advantage of the fertile land and dense forests in the area.

The 19th century brought significant growth and development to Sheboygan County. The construction of railroads in the 1850s and 1860s greatly improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods and people. The establishment of industries such as ironworks, flour mills, and pottery works further spurred economic growth. Sheboygan, the county seat, became a thriving industrial hub known for manufacturing furniture, shoes, and clothing.

In the 20th century, Sheboygan County continued to thrive as a manufacturing center. The establishment of the Sheboygan Chair Company in the early 1900s cemented the region's reputation as the "Furniture Capital of the World." The mid-century saw a shift in the county's economic focus towards the automotive and electronics industries. Today, Sheboygan County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, while still preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
Brief timeline of the history of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin:

  • 1836: Sheboygan County is established as a separate county in Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1846: The city of Sheboygan is incorporated as a village.
  • 1853: Sheboygan becomes a city.
  • 1872: The Sheboygan County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1890: Sheboygan Harbor is expanded to accommodate larger ships.
  • 1907: The Sheboygan County Fair is first held.
  • 1929: The Great Depression begins, causing significant economic hardship in the county.
  • 1954: The Whistling Straits Golf Course is established.
  • 1964: The Kohler Company begins production of its popular bathroom fixtures in the county.
  • 1995: The John Michael Kohler Arts Center opens in Sheboygan.
  • 2000: The population of Sheboygan County reaches over 115,000.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.