Historical Markers in
Grant County, Wisconsin

Baggage / Milk Cart Boscobel - A River Town Camp Nelson Dewey City of Presidents — Presidential Shields Crossing the River Curtis Memorial Scientific Area Denniston House First State Normal School Historic Cassville Ferry Main Street Commercial Historic District Platteville Nelson Dewey Old Rock Church Passenger Pigeon Monument Platteville Started Here Pleasant Ridge Pleasant Ridge Semaphore Signal (Traffic Signal) The Cassville Veterans Memorial The Chimes of Time The First Civil War Monument The Gideons The Milk Trains The Old Military Road The Point Of Beginning The River The Speeder Car w/Tools The Whistle Post The "Dinky" Tools of the Railroad Trade Links – River Borne Village of Cassville Village of Potosi World's Largest M
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History Just Ahead: Guide To Wisconsin's Historical Markers Paperback – November 23, 1999
History Just Ahead: Guide To Wisconsin's Historical Markers

My first true love was a Wisconsin girl, and she's the first one to admit that!
Willem Dafoe in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Grant County, Wisconsin has a rich and varied history that dates back to Native American settlements thousands of years ago. The area was inhabited by several tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Sioux, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their survival. European explorers, including French trappers and traders, arrived in the late 17th century, establishing a fur trading network that connected the region to the global economy.

In the 1820s, the US government began to forcibly remove Native American tribes from the area, opening up the land for settlement. Grant County was officially organized in 1836, named after President Ulysses S. Grant. The county quickly became a popular destination for immigrants, particularly European settlers, who were drawn to the region's fertile farmland.

The 19th century was a period of rapid growth and development for Grant County, as towns and trading posts sprouted up across the region. Platteville, one of the county's largest cities, became a center for lead mining and trading. The discovery of lead deposits in the area led to a mining boom, attracting thousands of settlers in search of opportunities and wealth.

Over time, Grant County transitioned from an economy based on mining and agriculture to a more diversified one. Today, the county is known for its thriving industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Scenic beauty, historical sites, and recreational opportunities also make Grant County a popular tourist destination. With a rich heritage and a vibrant present, Grant County continues to be an integral part of Wisconsin's history and economy.

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

  • 1836 - Grant County established
  • 1838 - First settlers arrived
  • 1839 - First post office established in Cassville
  • 1840 - Lancaster becomes the county seat
  • 1844 - First courthouse built in Lancaster
  • 1850 - Population reaches 12,000
  • 1861-1865 - American Civil War; many residents serve in the Union Army
  • 1869 - Completion of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad
  • 1874 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River finished
  • 1900 - Population peaks at around 42,000
  • 1930-1940 - Decrease in population due to the Great Depression and World War II
  • 1968 - Grant County Historical Society established
  • 1988 - The Twining Ford Bridge, a historic bridge, is added to the National Register of Historic Places