Historical Markers in
Wood County, Wisconsin

V. F. W. Post 2534 Veterans Memorial Assistant Chief Michael J. Kilpatrick Babcock Center of the State of Wisconsin Centralia Pulp and Paper Mill City Founders’ Cemetery Columbia Park Band Shell Corenso North America Cranberry Culture Dr. Byron Robinson Dr. John E. Toepfer Ed “Strangler” Lewis Edmund J. Rybicki Eli Winch House Elizabeth Daly House Engine 2442 Father Philip J. Wagner Founder’s Square Geological History of Powers Bluff Governor William H. Upham House Grand Rapids of the Wisconsin River Hamilton & Catherine Roddis House Historic Municipal Swimming Pool Indian Bill Cemetery Indian Dance Rings John Edwards Jr. John Edwards Jr. Office Building John Jones 2nd Burial Site Marshfield Post Office Marshfield's City Hall Clock and Fire Bell Milwaukee Gasoline Locomotive Myron "Grim" Natwick Nekoosa War Memorial Our Medical History Point Bas Point Basse Point Basse Powers Bluff Prisoners of War September 11th Patriots Day Slidre Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery The Great Pine Tower Hall Veterans Field of Honor Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Wakely’s Tavern Winnebago Indians Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships Wood County Cemetery Wood County Veterans Memorial World War Memorial World's Largest Round Barn Youth Baseball Donor Recognition Monument “The Iron Horse in Grand Rapids”
The first ever commercially successful typewriter, the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, was invented in Milwaukee in 1867.
Wisconsin random facts
Wood County, Wisconsin has a fascinating history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people. In the early 1800s, European settlers arrived in the region, drawn by the ample resources and fertile lands.

In 1856, Wood County was officially established and named after Joseph Wood, a prominent Wisconsin Supreme Court judge. The county's early economy was driven by logging and the timber industry, with vast forests covering the area. Logging camps, sawmills, and lumber mills sprang up throughout the county, attracting a diverse population of workers. This logging boom continued into the late 1800s, shaping the landscape and fostering the growth of towns like Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and Pittsville.

By the early 1900s, the timber resources of Wood County began to dwindle, leading to a decline in the logging industry. However, the region quickly adapted to new industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. Farmers settled in the area, establishing dairy farms and cultivating crops, making Wood County known for its rich agricultural heritage. At the same time, manufacturing companies emerged, producing everything from furniture to paper.

In the 20th century, Wood County experienced significant growth, driven by the rise of tourism and advancements in technology. The Wisconsin River, which flows through the county, became a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The development of highways and transportation infrastructure allowed for easy access to the county's natural beauty. Additionally, the availability of electricity and the expansion of telecommunications spurred economic growth and improved the quality of life for residents.

Today, Wood County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. While agriculture and manufacturing remain vital industries, the county has embraced a more diversified economy that includes healthcare, education, and tourism. The deep-rooted history of Wood County serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of its people, who have transformed the region with each passing era.

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

  • 1836 - Wood County, WI established as part of Iowa County
  • 1846 - Wood County separated from Iowa County and became part of Portage County
  • 1856 - Wood County officially recognized as a separate entity
  • 1873 - Marshfield chosen as the county seat
  • 1893 - Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Wood County, boosting economic growth
  • 1922 - Introduction of electricity and telephones in Wood County
  • 1940s-1950s - Wood County experiences increased population and industrial growth
  • 1991 - Opening of the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
  • 2006 - Completion of Marshfield Medical Center, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility