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Historical Essay

Birth of Wisconsin's Railroads

Drawing the Line from the Mississippi to Lake Michigan
Discover how businessmen and the legislature cooperated to create Wisconsin's first railroad.
Historical Essay

Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

A brief history of the Underground Railroad in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Railroad Disasters in Wisconsin

Brief history of railroad disasters in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Railroads in Wisconsin

Brief history of railroads in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Wisconsin Troops Capture a Rebel Regiment at Gettysburg

A Wisconsin Civil War Story
On July 1, 1863, Colonel Rufus R. Dawes and the 6th Wisconsin Infantry bravely move forward amid hidden enemy fire and finally capture the rebels
Historical Essay

Catlin, John, 1803-1874

Brief biography of pioneer lawyer, politician and railroad man John Catlin.
Brief biography of pioneer lawyer, politician and railroad man John Catlin.
Historical Essay

Stage Coach Sleigh Bells

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Sleigh bells used for stage runs and recreational trips in Sauk County, Wisconsin during the 1870s. (Museum object #1967.341.1)
Historical Essay

Tourism in Wisconsin

A brief summary of tourism in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Brooks Stevens Railroad Car Seat

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Reclining seat designed by Brooks Stevens for one of the Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha luxury railroad cars, 1948 (Museum object #1991.92)
Historical Essay

Watertown, Wisconsin - A Brief History

Discover historical details and explore our online collections related to Watertown, Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Crandon, Wisconsin - A Brief History

History of Crandon, Wisconsin
Discover historical details and explore our online collections related to Crandon, Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

The Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

Read about the most famous actions of freedom seekers along Wisconsin's Underground Railroad. Includes links to primary sources.
Historical Essay

Wisconsin Welcomes Its First Troops Home

A Wisconsin Civil War Story
Historical Essay

Potter Law (1874)

Brief explanation of The Potter Law (1874).
Historical Essay

43rd Wisconsin Infantry History

Wisconsin Civil War Regiment
Read about the 43rd Wisconsin Infantry from Milwaukee, which served in the Civil War 1864-1865 and lost 75 men in service.
Historical Essay

Granger Gourd

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Ceremonial container made from a gourd, presented to Wisconsin Governor William R. Taylor, 1874. (Museum object #1993.53)
Historical Essay

Brentwood, Battle of

Civil War Battle Summary
Read about the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry's role in this Civil War battle. This article includes links to original documents and other accounts of the battle.
Historical Essay

Bridges in Wisconsin

Brief history of bridges in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Hudson, Wisconsin - A Brief History

Discover historical details and explore our online collections related to Hudson, Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Tomah, Wisconsin - A Brief History

Discover historical details and explore our online collections related to Tomah, Wisconsin.

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