Dodge County, Wisconsin
Beaumont Hotel
Boller, W. H., Meat Market and Residence
Central State Hospital Historic District
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company Passenger Depot
Dahl, Martin K., House
Fountain Inn
Fox Lake Railroad Depot
Greenfield, Willard, Farmstead
Hartwig, Ferdinand C., House
Hollenstein Wagon and Carriage Factory
Horicon State Bank
Hotel Rogers
Hustis, John, House
Hutchinson Memorial Library
Kliese Housebarn
Main Street Historic District
Neosho Village Hall
Paramount Knitting Company Mill
Schoenicke Barn
Schulze, Ferdinand, House
St. Andrew's Church
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Swan House and Vita Spring Pavilion
Van Brunt Memorial School
Van Brunt, Daniel C., House
Waupun Public Library
Weyenberg Shoe Factory
White Limestone School
Williams Free Library
Wisconsin State Prison Historic District
Zirbel-Hildebrandt Farmstead
Adrian Joss '98
Adrian "Addie" Joss
Auto Race
Bernard R. "Bunny" Berigan
Berthold "Pete" Husting
Carnegie Library
Dodge County Memorial Park
Emerson P. Hawley '91
First House Site in Dodge County, Wisconsin
Frederick Douglass
Hollenstein Wagon and Carriage Factory
Horicon Marsh
Lowell Women Firefighters
Northwestern College
Old Village Hall-Neosho Dodge County, WI
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Solomon Juneau House
The Mayville White Limestone School Building
War Memorial
Wayland Hall
Wisconsins First Iron Smelter
World War II
European settlement in Dodge County began in the 1830s, with emigrants from New York and New England seeking new opportunities in the Midwest. The first permanent settlement was established in 1836 in the city now known as Beaver Dam. The construction of the Rock River Canal in the 1840s further spurred development in the region, as it provided a vital transportation route for settlers and businesses.
During the mid-19th century, agriculture became the backbone of Dodge County's economy, with farms and dairy production playing a crucial role in shaping the county's way of life. The county also witnessed the rise of industrialization, with manufacturing and milling operations contributing to its economic growth. In 1857, the first railroad reached Dodge County, connecting it to larger markets and facilitating trade.
Throughout its history, Dodge County has faced numerous challenges, including the devastating effects of the Great Depression and the struggles of the agricultural sector during various economic downturns. However, the spirit of resilience and community characterizes the county's response to these hardships. Today, Dodge County continues to thrive, boasting a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, while preserving its rich heritage through historical sites, museums, and cultural events.
Brief timeline of the history of Dodge County, Wisconsin:
- 1836 - Dodge County was created by an act of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature.
- 1844 - Juneau was established as the county seat.
- 1856 - The Beaver Dam River was dammed to provide power for manufacturing, leading to industrial growth in the county.
- 1863 - The county seat was moved from Juneau to Beaver Dam.
- 1890 - Dodge County experienced a surge in population due to increased agricultural development.
- 1929 - Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, was designated as a wildlife refuge.
- 1952 - The John Deere Horicon Works was established, becoming an important employer in the county.
- 1983 - The Dodge Correctional Institution, the state's largest maximum-security prison, opened in Waupun.
- 2008 - The Dodge County Historical Society opened the Dodge County Historical Museum, showcasing the history of the county.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dodge County, Wisconsin.