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    Jefferson County, Wisconsin
    Jefferson County, Wisconsin
    Jefferson County, Wisconsin
    Ebook164 pages44 minutes

    Jefferson County, Wisconsin

    By Jefferson County Historic Alliance

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    About this ebook

    Uncover the hidden history of Jefferson County told through images from special collections depicting history throughout the centuries.


    Jefferson County holds a unique place in the history of the state of Wisconsin. Founded in 1836 by Yankee settlers from New England, it began as an agriculturally-based county but soon rose to prominence as the cradle of the dairy industry. Nestled in the valley of the Rock River in southeastern Wisconsin, Jefferson County has always figured prominently in the history of the state due to its proximity to both Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city, and Madison, the state capital. Jefferson County, Wisconsin looks at the history of this area from 1836 to the present day. The historic images and informative text allow the reader to view changes in industry, gain greater insight into the history of education, and better understand the historic roles that religion and the ever-important rivers have played in defining Jefferson County. By the beginning of the twentieth century, and for many years after, Jefferson County was the leader in the dairy industry. Education also played an important role in the makeup of the county's character. Such important educational milestones as the first kindergarten in America, founded in Watertown in 1856, and the first free textbooks in the state bear witness to the county's commitment to the educational betterment of its children. Since the 1960s, much has changed in Jefferson County, and this book will serve as a permanent record of its wonderful history, which is sometimes too easily forgotten.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherArcadia Publishing
    Release dateNov 17, 1999
    ISBN9781439610367
    Jefferson County, Wisconsin
    Author

    Jefferson County Historic Alliance

    Join the Jefferson County Historic Alliance as they lead the way on a fascinating visual journey through the history of this important area of Wisconsin. Wonderful historic photographs from over ten historical societies in the region, as well as individual collections, will delight residents and visitors of all ages.

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      Book preview

      Jefferson County, Wisconsin - Jefferson County Historic Alliance

      Wisconsin.

      INTRODUCTION

      As we take our first hesitant steps forward into the new century, it is only right and proper that we pause to look back on all that we and our forebears have accomplished over the past 160 years.

      The first Yankee settlers began to arrive in what is now Jefferson County in 1835 and 1836. Prior to their arrival, Native-American tribes such as the Ho-Chunk and Pottowatomis claimed this area. Even earlier, members of the so-called Mound Builder race were settled here before the time of Columbus. While all published histories trace the story of the county to 1836, the county’s roots go back considerably further into the murky mists of time.

      Traces of these early residents are few and far between. Apart from an intaglio mound in the Fort Atkinson area and the ceremonial burial mounds preserved at Aztalan State Park and other places in the county, the signs of early man in this area are virtually nonexistent.

      Evidence of European occupation, however, is very much present. From the county’s ten historical societies and their museums, to the many cities and towns with their distinctive buildings, residents and visitors to Jefferson County are reminded on an almost daily basis of the history of this area.

      Who were these early settlers? The first to arrive were Yankees, mainly from New England. The Yankees sought to make this area like their hometowns in the East. Towns with names like Concord, Rome, and Watertown began to spring up, complete with New England customs and values. These settlers were followed by the Irish and Germans who brought with them culture and traditions that helped to make the county unique. Today, almost every ethnic group is represented, thus making the county a perfect example of a cultural melting pot.

      Early pioneers were attracted to this area because of its abundant land, with its fertile soil and running rivers, teeming with fish. In a short time, agriculture became the main industry in the county. In many areas it still remains the main focus.

      Once the power of the Rock, Crawfish, and Bark Rivers had been harnessed by a series of dams, milling became an important industry. Sawmilling became prevalent, and logs soon choked the Rock River as they made their way down to large distribution points in Janesville and Beloit. Sawmills made it easier to build, and as a result, frame dwellings began to dot the landscape.

      Flour milling followed soon afterwards. It became easier for farmers to have their grain ground into flour, thus reducing their dependence on the big city for flour. Flour milling opened a cash market for grain, thus enabling farmers to buy more. By the mid-1800s virtually every town had a flour mill, with the largest of these mills being the Milford Mill, with seven millstones.

      But agriculture still held sway with wheat being the major cash crop here until the mid-1860s. Then, as a result of bad harvests, insect infestations, and a nation-wide decline in prices, the wheat market in Jefferson County bottomed out. However, by then a new agricultural industry began to take root in Jefferson County: dairying.

      Men like Governor William D. Hoard and others took a little thought of industry and elevated it to one of worldwide importance. With the founding of the Wisconsin Dairymen’s Association in 1871, the future of dairying was assured. This group introduced new ideas and procedures that streamlined the industry, and by the 20th century (and for many years after that), Jefferson County became the leader of the dairy industry.

      Education also played an important role in the make-up of the county’s character. Such important educational firsts as the first kindergarten in America, founded in Watertown in 1856, and the first free textbooks in the state bear witness to the county’s commitment to the educational betterment of its children. From one-room rural schoolhouses to state-of-the-art learning centers, Jefferson County is still in the forefront.

      Religion has also played a part in the make-up of the residents of the county. The first dominant religious group in the county were the Methodists, who had circuit-riding ministers preaching throughout the area. They were followed by Catholics, Congregationalists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and, with the arrival of the Germans in the mid-1840s, Lutherans. In 1850, there were only 19 churches in all of Jefferson County. By 1870, there were 51 churches, and today there are over 100 churches for residents to choose from.

      But what of the future? Since the 1960s, farmland has slowly been disappearing, along with historically significant farm buildings and barns. Urban development threatens small communities throughout

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