Historical Markers in
Columbia County, Wisconsin

A Glimpse of the Old Dells Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor Angie Williams Cox Public Library Bailey's Landing Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock Belle Boyd Civil War Monument Columbia County Asylum Cemetery Columbus City Hall Columbus Public Library David J. Jones Dickason Park / Toppe Field Fall River Dam Farmers & Merchants Union Bank First Evangelical Lutheran Church Fort Winnebago Fort Winnebago Surgeons' Quarters Frederick Jackson Turner Geology of the Wisconsin Dells George H. Crandall Governor James Taylor Lewis / Governor Lewis: Civil War Era Grand Army of the Republic Memorial H. H. Bennett Studio H.H. Bennett Photography & Promotion of the Wisconsin Dells Area Henry Hamilton Bennett Hero of the Red River Historic Indian Agency House Historic Pardeeville / Belmont Hotel Historic Tree Historical Site History of the Wisconsin Dells Indians -- Flora & Fauna Inglehart Church Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet John Muir View Ketchum’s Point Kilbourn City Kilbourn City Kingsley Bend Indian Mounds Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Leaping the Chasm Lumber Raftsmen Major Elbert Dickason / Dickason's "Hotel" Marquette Natural Ingenuity Pardeeville World War I Memorial Pierre Pauquette Ferry Potters' Emigration Society Rest Areas on the I-Roads Revolutionary War Veteran River Excursions Samuel & Chloe Leonard Doud Site of Fort Winnebago Society Hill Historic District St. Mary's of the Pines Stroud Bank The Circus The Ho-Chunk People The Indian Agency House The Kilbourn Dam The Merrimac Ferry The Old Village of Dekorra The Railroads The Wisconsin River This Beauty Is Yours Because Others Before You Love The Dells Trinity United Church of Christ Veterans of the American Revolution Memorial Bridge Wallis Rowan and His Cabin Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway World War I Roll of Honor World War II Memorial Wyona Park / Rifle Pit Legend Zona Gale
Wisconsin was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was created by the United States in 1787. It later became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805, and then part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
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.