History of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA

1854 - Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls, a post-village, capital of Chippewa county, Wisconsin, on Chippewa river, about 185 miles N. W. from Madison. It has extensive water-power with mills. Population in 1853, about 250.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1872 - H. T. Rumsey, a prominent citizen of LaCrosse, Wis., died at Chippewa Falls a few days ago, from an over-dose of laudanum, taken to produce sleep, while suffering from a severe nervous affection.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 3, 1872

1882 - Traveled in a Box
A Young Man's Trip from Chippewa Falls to Montreal.

Montreal Star: There arrived at the Hochelaga Depot this morning enroute for Sorel, a queer looking box about six feet long, two wide, and sixteen inches high, fitted with rude handles at each end. In it lay a stout, able-bodied young man, 22 years of age, who had traveled in that cramped position all the way from Chippewa Falls, Wis., having been on the road continuously for three days and three nights. Our reporter gleamed the following particulars with reference to the affair: Baptiste Lavalle left Sorel two years ago and since that time has been working for a lumbering firm in the woods of Wisconsin. A short time ago he sustained a broken leg, and, unable to procure the requisite medical assistance in that wild region, started for home in the manner described. Lavalle gave some particulars in reference to the country. He states that the winter has been a very open one, but little snow having fallen, and that lumbering... Read MORE...

1884 - THE WATERS RECEDING. WORK OF THE GREAT FLOOD IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY.
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., Sept. 12. - The terrible floods reached a climax last night, and the waters of the mad Chippewa River are slowly receding. There has been a fall of three and one-half feet since 10 o'clock last night. The entire Chippewa Valley presents a scene of devastation. From the northern limits of the city to the extreme southern part, wherever the ground is low, boats are moving about laden with household goods and furniture and people seeking places of safety. The east side of the city is one immense lake. Thousands of dollars' worth of damage has been done to sidewalks, fences, and cellars, to say nothing of the house carried away. From 34 miles above Chippewa Falls to the Mississippi River below devastation and ruin reign supreme.

First, $300,000 worth of bridges have been destroyed, and half that amount will not rebuild the dams and booms that have floated off. Next in order come the millions of feet of logs which have escaped from the booms and become scattered. No... Read MORE...

1888 - In Wisconsin spirit thermometers on the 21st registered 68 degrees below zero at Chippewa Falls,
36 below at Janesville, 55 at Hudson, 52 at Dartford, 53 at Princeton, 50 at Sparta, 52 at Green Lake, and extreme cold was reported in other portions of the State. In the northern portions of Michigan it was 40 degrees below, and in Iowa from 32 to 40 degrees below zero. In Minnesota and Dakota from 49 to 52 below was also reported.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1888

1895 - Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls, a post-town, capital of Chippewa co., Wis., is on the Chippewa River, 12 miles by rail N.E. of Eau Claire, about 90 miles E. of St. Paul, Minn., and 90 miles N. of La Crosse. The river here affords water power, which is employed in a number of saw-mills and flour-mills. Lumber is the chief article of export. This town has 3 banks, 10 churches, public schools, an elevator, a furniture-factory, a large brewery, a planing-mill, a sash and door-factory, a machine-shop, and a saw-mill which is said to be the largest in the United States, together with other smaller factories. One daily and 3 weekly newspapers are published here. It has great railroad facilities. Pop. in 1890, 8670.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Chippewa Falls, a banking city, capital of Chippewa co., Wis., is on the Chippewa River and on the Wisconsin Central and other railroads, 12 miles NE. of Eau Claire. The river here affords water-power, which is employed in a number of mills and foundries. The town has canning-, woollen- and flouring-industries and extensive lumber-, saw- and planing-mills. The State Home for the Feeble- Minded and the county insane asylum are located here. Pop. in 1890, 8670 ; in 1900, 8094.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Chippewa Falls:
Leinenkugel's Brewery: Start your visit with a tour of the iconic Leinenkugel's Brewery. Learn about the brewing process, the history of the brewery, and, of course, sample some of their famous beers.

Irvine Park and Zoo: Enjoy a day outdoors at Irvine Park, which features a zoo with a variety of animals. The park itself is great for picnics, walking trails, and even has a scenic bridge over the Chippewa River.

Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area: Nature enthusiasts will love exploring this recreation area. There are hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and beautiful landscapes, especially during the fall when the foliage is stunning.

Lake Wissota State Park: If you're a fan of water activities, head to Lake Wissota State Park. You can go boating, fishing, or simply relax by the lake. The park also offers camping facilities if you want to extend your stay.

Heyde Center for the Arts: For a dose of culture, visit the Heyde Center for the Arts. Check out art... Read MORE...