Development of the Railroads

Though the actual construction and operation of railroads did not take place until after Wisconsin became a state, railroads were one of the most widely discussed subjects among territorial officials and businessmen. Seeking to connect the lead mines of the southwest with ships on Lake Michigan, the legislative council of Michigan petitioned Congress to make an appropriation to survey a proposed line from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Settlements along the Mississippi River competed to be named the western terminus, while Milwaukee fought back competitors from Sheboygan, Green Bay, Racine, Southport, and even Chicago.

In the fall of 1836,... more...

Original Documents and Other Primary Sources

	A man recollects the development of the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad
	Descriptions of Wisconsin disasters and catastrophes, 1848-1948
	A guide to the origins and evolution of Wisconsin's railroads.
	Folklore and folktales collected by Charles E. Brown
	A travel guide to healthful resorts in the upper Midwest, 1875
	An Austrian painter depicts Wisconsin in the 1850s
	500 historic pictures of trains and railroads
	A German immigrant describes coming to Wisconsin.
	An Austrian painter describes sketches made while traveling Wisconsin, 1856-1860
	The 1857 diary of railroad surveyor Andrew M. Davis.
	Milwaukee residents urge citizens to support railroads in 1857
	The first railroad lines are advertised on a map.
	Four-star accommodations in 19th century Sheboygan County
	The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Depot in La Crosse
	Old Spring Tavern
	Plough Inn in Madison

Primary Sources Available Elsewhere

	Andrew M. Davis' 1857 diary as edited for publication.
	An 1872 report on a new bridge across the Mississippi
	Wisconsin Blue Books
	Historic postcards of Milwaukee
	A Wisconsin railroad advertises its advantages, 1857
	The Milwaukee and Superior Railroad lines in 1857

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