Use the smaller-sized text Use the larger-sized text Use the very large text Take a peek! Discover new connections to history. Visit the New Preview Website.

Theodore Rodolf recounts his life in the lead region in the 1830s

Pioneering in the Wisconsin Lead Region


Theodore Rodolf came to Wisconsin from Switzerland in 1834, settling in the lead country of Lafayette County. Drawn to the area because of its rising economic importance, Rodolf met many prominent Wisconsin settlers, including the Gratiots, in his search for a new home and a new occupation. Rodolf tried his hand at a number of occupations, including farming and running a grocery store, but had little luck until he entered politics. In 1853, he was appointed to the land office in La Crosse. Rodolf later served in the state assembly and was mayor of La Crosse. Rodolf reminisces here about the growth of the lead region and his life since coming to Wisconsin.

View the Document

Related Topics: Explorers, Traders, and Settlers
Immigration and Settlement
Mining, Logging, and Agriculture
The Creation of Wisconsin Territory
19th-Century Immigration
Lead Mining in Southwestern Wisconsin
Creator: Rodolf, Theodore
Pub Data: Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. vol. 15. pgs 338-389. (F576 .W81 vol.15)
Citation: Rodolf, Theodore. "Pioneering in the Wisconsin Lead Region." In Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. vol. 15.: pgs 338-389; Online facsimile at:  http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1179; Visited on: 5/25/2013
  • Questions about this page? Email us
  • Email this page to a friend
select text size Use the smaller-sized textUse the larger-sized textUse the very large text