National Register Listings in
Columbia County, Wisconsin

Arnold, E. Clarke and Julia, House Bacon, Clara F., House Bellack, Albert M. and Alice, House Bellmont Hotel Bennett, H. H., Studio Bowman House Byrns, Daniel and Nellie, House Chadbourn, F. A., House Church Hill Historic District Columbus City Hall Columbus Downtown Historic District Columbus Fireman's Park Complex Columbus Post Office Columbus Public Library Cox, Angie Williams, Library Dix Street-Warner Street Historic District Durward's Glen Farmers and Merchants Union Bank Farnham, Fred and Lucia, House Fort Winnebago Surgeon's Quarters Gale, Zona, House Goeres Park Griswold, George, House Holsten Family Farmstead Ingalsbe, Adolphus and Sarah, House Jones, John A. and Maggie, House Kilbourn Public Library Kurth, John H., and Company Office Building Lewis, Frank T. and Polly, House Lewis, Gov. James T., House Lodi Downtown Historic District Lodi School Hillside Improvement Site Lodi Street-Prairie Street Historic District Merrell, Henry, House Merrimac Ferry Mills, Job, Block Mills, Richard W. and Margaret, House Nashold 20-sided Barn Old Indian Agency House Old Indian Agency House (Boundary Increase) Pardeeville Presbyterian Church Portage Canal Portage Industrial Waterfront Historic District Portage Retail Historic District Portage Street Historic District Prairie Street Historic District Pruyn, Joel M., Block Robertson, John A. and Martha, House Schendel, Reinhard and Amelia, House Sharrow, Frances Kurth, House Society Hill Historic District South Dickason Boulevard Residential Historic District Wawbeek-Horace A.J. Upham House Weber, Jacob, House Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parsonage
The first European to explore Wisconsin was Jean Nicolet, a French explorer who arrived in 1634. He was looking for a water route to Asia but instead encountered the Menominee Indians near Green Bay.
Wisconsin random facts
Columbia County, Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee, who made use of the area's vast resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, establishing fur trading posts along the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers.

In 1839, Columbia County was officially established, named after Christopher Columbus. The county's first seat was at the village of Portage, which quickly developed as a transportation hub due to its strategic location at the junction of the two rivers. Portage became a vital stopping point for travelers between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.

The completion of the Portage Canal in 1851 further bolstered the county's economic growth. This canal connected the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, allowing for easier navigation between the two. The canal facilitated the transportation of goods, led to the development of new industries, and attracted more settlers to the area.

The mid-19th century saw rapid expansion in Columbia County, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of numerous farming communities. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with dairy farming and corn production flourishing. The county also saw industrial progress, with the opening of mills, foundries, and other manufacturing businesses.

Today, Columbia County is a thriving community with a diverse economy. It remains an important agricultural center, while also housing a variety of industries such as tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The county's history is celebrated through conservation efforts, preservation of historic sites, and community events, ensuring that its rich heritage continues to be valued and appreciated.

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

  • 1838 - Columbia County is established on December 7, 1838.
  • 1851 - The county seat is moved from Wyocena to Portage.
  • 1855 - Portage is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Columbia County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The Chicago and North Western Railway reaches Columbus, bringing increased transportation and trade opportunities.
  • 1914-1918 - Columbia County residents participate in World War I.
  • 1929-1941 - The Great Depression affects Columbia County, causing economic hardships for residents.
  • 1941-1945 - Columbia County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1955 - The Wisconsin Dells tourist industry begins to grow, attracting visitors to the county.
  • 1973 - The Portage Canal is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 2008 - The town of Pacific is disincorporated, becoming part of the village of Portage.