Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Template:Short description Template:For Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement
Reedsburg is a city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population in 2020 was 9,984. The city is located Template:Convert northwest of Madison within the Baraboo micropolitan area. The city is surrounded by the Town of Reedsburg and is situated along the Baraboo River. It is the second-largest city in Sauk County after Baraboo, with a population of 9,984 at the time of the 2020 United States census.
Prior to the arrival of non-indigenous people in the 19th century, the region was home to the Ho-Chunk people. Reedsburg was first settled by James W. Babb in 1845. David C. Reed arrived in 1847, building a dam and being the namesake of the town. After the town was platted in 1852, growth would continue through its incorporation as a city in 1887. Historically, the area has relied on agriculture and manufacturing industries.
Reedsburg would grow significantly following World War II and again from 1990–2010.
History
Early settlement
Early settlers came to this area due to the abundance of natural resources, especially lumber. In 1844, the first copper mine was established in this area, but it was soon abandoned. James W. Babb and his wife Rebecca Scarff Babb are the earliest recorded settlers, having brought their family to Wisconsin from Ohio in 1845.<ref name=":1" /> At a place 55 miles northeast of Mineral Point (the capital of Wisconsin Territory), long identified by the Winnebago who inhabited these lands as a convenient place to cross the Baraboo River, Babb left a flat-bottomed boat to help move supplies.
At "Babb's Ford," in 1847 David C. Reed built a dam and a shanty to house the workers who constructed it.<ref name="Western Historical Company, 1850">Template:Cite book</ref> In June 1848 a sawmill followed. By 1850, "Shanty Row" comprised five tamarack shanties.<ref name="Western Historical Company, 1850" /> These initial buildings were of poor construction, and did not have a strong foundation, due to the black-alder swamp by the Baraboo River. Main Street would later be built where "Shanty Row" stood.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Reedsburg was platted in 1852, and four years later the community had grown to 50 buildings housing 27 families and 122 people.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The first bridge across the Baraboo River was built in 1853, located where the Main Street bridge would later be built. In 1854 the Mackey brothers purchased Reed's saw mill, and brought economic security to the area. As the town was growing, more farms continued to be developed around the area, cultivating a variety of crops.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
Late 1800s
The community continued under town government until 1868, when Reedsburg was incorporated as a village; it became a city in May 1887.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 1860s, a hop boom temporarily brought wealth into the area. After the crash of the hops market, more farms started to diversify, and Reedsburg would become known for its grain and dairy products.<ref name=":1" /> The Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) arrived in 1872.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In the 1870s, Main Street started to develop, with grocery stores, banks, and other businesses establishing in Reedsburg. In 1880, the Reedsburg Brewing Company was formed.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> As the city continued to grow, more industries came to Reedsburg. On December 1, 1883, the Webb and Schweke department store opened, known as the "Big Store". The store would go on to be the largest department store in Sauk County.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The City Hotel opened in 1886, owned by William Roper. Among the most important was the Reedsburg Woolen Mill. Construction was completed in 1882, and by 1899, 32 broad looms produced mainly "fancy cassimeres" for Chicago markets.
1900s
In 1902 the facility was purchased by Appleton Woolen Mills, and began producing clothing for east coast outlets. Sears and Montgomery Wards became two major clients. In 1910, the Central Wisconsin Creamery opened, making Reedsburg famous for its butter production.<ref name=":1" /> In 1954, when Appleton Woolen Mills shifted focus to felts, the business in Reedsburg reorganized to emphasize novelty fabrics. The Big Store burned down in 1957, after 78 years of service.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Reedsburg Woolen Mill, long one of the area's largest employers, endured until 1967; most of the mill complex burned in April 1968, leaving only the mill office.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1928, the Reedsburg Municipal Airport was first established on an Template:Convert farm east of the city.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It would be later purchased by the city and continues to be used today as a general aviation airport.
In 1951, Herbert Webb left Reedsburg a $300,000 trust fund, which is equivalent to over 4 million dollars, adjusted for inflation. He also set aside funding for Webb Park and Webb High School on the northeast side of Reedsburg, before his death in 1954.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Another important business has been the Hankscraft Company. Incorporated in Madison in 1920, Hankscraft—makers of baby bottle warmers, sterilizers and other products—thrived during the post-war baby boom, and in 1949 opened a plant in Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1961, Hankscraft purchased Nursmatic Corporation, expanding their line to include bassinets, safety harnesses, baby toiletries and other products; a year later, the acquisition of Ruzicka Laboratories allowed the firm to expand once more, adding vaporizer fluids, baby oil, shampoo and lotions. In 1970, Hankscraft was purchased by Gerber Products Company, and began producing baby food. It was the town's second largest employer, exceeded only by the Reedsburg Woolen Mill.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In the 1980s, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad came to Reedsburg, having purchased the old C&NW railroad track.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1996, Gerber Products Company sold Hankscraft Motors, which continues to operate in Reedsburg. Other important industries have included Grede Foundry, Seats, Inc., and the Columbia Par Car Corporation.
In 1971, the first Butter Festival, now known as Butterfest, was held in Webb Park. It was a celebration of the farming and dairy industry.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1984, together the Main Street Commercial Historic District and the Park Street Historic District were added to the National Register of Historic Places.<ref name=":1" /> In 1993, 22 miles of the C&NW rail line between Reedsburg and Elroy became the Wisconsin 400 State Trail, a hiking/biking trail named for the passenger rail line that was said to travel the 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul in 400 minutes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2000s
Fermentation Fest, an annual celebration of Reedsburg's agricultural heritage, was established in 2010. As part of the movement in 2014, Harvest Park was created as a downtown park featuring "Ruminant", a decorated piece of farm equipment, as a permanent installation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Baraboo River flooded in both 2008 and 2018, destroying several homes and businesses.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a result of the flooding, two new parks were created – Mackey Park and the Community Market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Geography
Reedsburg is located in northern Sauk County, approximately Template:Convert northwest of Madison, Wisconsin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The city sits on the 90th meridian west at Template:Coord (43.533854, -90.002902).<ref name="GR1">Template:Cite web</ref> A pink quartzite marker on Main Street reads 325 feet east of this point lies the 90th meridian. The marker was dedicated on October 14, 1963, to designate Reedsburg's unique location. It was donated by Whitney Memorials and erected by the Kiwanis Club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">Template:Cite web</ref> The Baraboo River flows through the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Lake Virginia is a small lake on the east side of Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake are 2 reservoirs located in the nearby town of La Valle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Babb Creek, Hay Creek, and Copper Creek, tributaries of the Baraboo River, all flow through Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Babb Creek was named for early settler James W. Babb. Hay and Copper Creek were named for the farming and short lived mining industry in Reedsburg.Template:Wide image
Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Reedsburg has a warm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Reedsburg was Template:Convert on July 31, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was Template:Convert on January 30, 1951.<ref name = NOWData/>
Demographics
2020 census
As of the census of 2020,<ref name="2020-census-5566800">Template:Cite web</ref> the population was 9,984. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 4,433 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 88.3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 3.7% from other races, and 5.0% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 7.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
2010 census
As of the census<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">Template:Cite web</ref> of 2010, there were 9,200 people, 3,795 households, and 2,357 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 4,103 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.6% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.
There were 3,795 households, of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.9% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.04.
The median age in the city was 35.7 years. 27% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.2% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
2000 census
As of the census<ref name="GR2">Template:Cite web</ref> of 2000, there were 7,827 people, 3,193 households, and 2,021 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 3,380 housing units Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 97.44% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 1.58% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,193 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 13.01.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,152, and the median income for a family was $44,329. Males had a median income of $33,211 versus $21,973 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,828. About 5.5% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Reedsburg operates under the mayor-council form of government, with each of four districts being represented by two aldermen, along with one at-large alderman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> David Estes has served as the mayor since 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The city is managed by an appointed city administrator, which currently is Timothy Becker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Reedsburg Police Department is the law enforcement agency in the city. The department was founded in 1868, and currently has 22 full time police officers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Infrastructure
The city includes the Main Street Commercial Historic District and the Park Street Historic District, which contain commercial and residential buildings built from 1873 to 1920.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> The Chicago and North Western Depot was built in 1906 which connected Reedsburg to the Twin Cities 400 line.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Currently, it serves as the headquarters for the 400 State Trail, a biking and hiking trail that starts in Reedsburg and ends in Elroy, Wisconsin, following the old Twin Cities 400 track.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sound Devices is headquartered in Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Parks
Reedsburg has 18 parks within the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> City Park is the oldest, being donated by the city's founder David C. Reed in 1848.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Webb Park is another large park, being dedicated to Herbert H. Webb, a generous benefactor to Reedsburg.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> Webb Park includes the city's swimming pool and splash pad,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and is adjacent to Webb Middle School.<ref name=":3" /> The woods behind Webb Park is called the Roger Popple Nature Area, which includes several trails, and the Half-Moon Lagoon Disc Golf Course.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Transportation
State Highways 33 and 23 run along Main Street. State Highway 136 terminates in Reedsburg. There is access to Interstate 90/94 nearby, and the city is served by the Reedsburg Municipal Airport (C35).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Some city roads include bicycle lanes and there are posted bike routes through major areas of town.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad operates on the old C&NW track.<ref name=":2" /> Dial-a-ride transit service is available through the Reedsburg Taxi Service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Education
The School District of Reedsburg has two elementary schools serving students in pre-kindergarten through grade 2, one intermediate school serving students in grade 3 through grade 5,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> one middle school, and one high school.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There is a Madison Area Technical College regional campus on the west side of Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Reedsburg Public Library is located in the downtown and is a member of the South Central Library System.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The University of Wisconsin–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County is in nearby Baraboo and serves Sauk County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable people
- Clare Briggs, comic strip artist<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Pam Coy, owner of several Reedsburg businesses<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Edward Dithmar, lieutenant governor of Wisconsin<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Alexander Preston Ellinwood, Wisconsin politician, businessman, and educator, lived in Reedsburg.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- John Harrington, professional football player<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Charlie Kavanagh, MLB player<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Timothy Mahr, composer and conductor, professor of music at St. Olaf College<ref name="Reedsburg, Wisconsin">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Agnes Moorehead, actress<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Saul Phillips, head coach of the North Dakota State Bison men's basketball team<ref name="Reedsburg, Wisconsin" />
- Albert O. Sorge, Wisconsin State Representative<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Henry W. Sorge, Wisconsin State Representative<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Warren Weaver, scientist<ref name="Reedsburg, Wisconsin" />
References
External links
- City of Reedsburg
- Reedsburg Public Library
- Sanborn fire insurance maps: 1885 1892 1898 1904 1912 1918