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History of Jefferson, Wisconsin, USA
Journey back in time to Jefferson, Wisconsin, USA
Explore Jefferson, Wisconsin, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Jefferson Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Jefferson Township was first settled by Rodney J. Currier and Andrew Lansing in December 1836 when they built a cabin in the northwest quarter of Section 10. By October 1837 a building that housed a tavern, trading post, and courthouse was built at the present site of the Jefferson County Courthouse.
What is now the City of Jefferson operated under Town government until 1857, when the City of Jefferson was incorporated. The first settlers in the area of Helenville were John Walther, Christian Horn, Bernhard Keller, and "Old Man" Haag. The first general store was opened by Christian Lory in 1849. Helenville was named in honor of the wife of Orgies Bullwinkel who was the first postmaster. The post office was established on February 25, 1851.
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Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to JEFFERSON

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Discover Jefferson: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Jefferson
Jefferson, a township in the S. W. central part of Jefferson co., Wisconsin, intersected by Rock river. Population, 1610.
Jefferson, a thriving post-village of Jefferson township, capital of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, on the left or E. bank of Rock river, at the mouth of the Crawfish river, 40 miles E. by S. from Madison. The valley of Rock river has a high reputation for fertility, and the banks of the river are remarkable for picturesque beauty. Jefferson has a fine water-power, and is a place of active business. It contains 2 churches, 10 stores, and 4 mills. The Rock River Valley railroad is located through this village. Population in 1853, about 1000.
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.
Jefferson, a township in the S. W. central part of Jefferson co., Wisconsin, intersected by Rock river. Population, 1610.
Jefferson, a thriving post-village of Jefferson township, capital of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, on the left or E. bank of Rock river, at the mouth of the Crawfish river, 40 miles E. by S. from Madison. The valley of Rock river has a high reputation for fertility, and the banks of the river are remarkable for picturesque beauty. Jefferson has a fine water-power, and is a place of active business. It contains 2 churches, 10 stores, and 4 mills. The Rock River Valley railroad is located through this village. Population in 1853, about 1000.
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.
1895 - Jefferson
Jefferson, a post-town, capital of Jefferson co., Wis., in a township of the same name, and on Rock River, at the mouth of the Crawfish River, about 50 miles W. of Milwaukee, and on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, 25 miles N.N.E. of Janesville, and 13 miles S. by W. of Water town. It has 8 churches, a national bank, 1 other bank, the Jefferson Liberal Institute, a woollen-mill, a flouring mill, 2 tanneries, a foundry, a chair-factory, and a news paper office. Pop. in 1880,2115; in 1890,2287.
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
Jefferson, a post-town, capital of Jefferson co., Wis., in a township of the same name, and on Rock River, at the mouth of the Crawfish River, about 50 miles W. of Milwaukee, and on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, 25 miles N.N.E. of Janesville, and 13 miles S. by W. of Water town. It has 8 churches, a national bank, 1 other bank, the Jefferson Liberal Institute, a woollen-mill, a flouring mill, 2 tanneries, a foundry, a chair-factory, and a news paper office. Pop. in 1880,2115; in 1890,2287.
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
Jefferson, a banking city, capital of Jefferson co., Wis., on the Rock River, at the mouth of the Crawfish River, and on the Chicago and Northwestern R., 25 miles NNE. of Janesville. It has woollen- and fiouring-mills, tanneries, foundries and machine-shops, and manufactories of furniture, farming-implements, boots and shoes, chairs, etc Pop. in 1890, 2287 ; in 1900, 2584.
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
Jefferson, a banking city, capital of Jefferson co., Wis., on the Rock River, at the mouth of the Crawfish River, and on the Chicago and Northwestern R., 25 miles NNE. of Janesville. It has woollen- and fiouring-mills, tanneries, foundries and machine-shops, and manufactories of furniture, farming-implements, boots and shoes, chairs, etc Pop. in 1890, 2287 ; in 1900, 2584.
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 Jefferson:
Riverwalk
Take a stroll along the Rock River on the Riverwalk. It's a beautiful and peaceful path, perfect for a leisurely walk or a romantic evening.
Jefferson County Fair Park
Check out events and fairs happening at the Jefferson County Fair Park. They host a variety of events throughout the year, including fairs, concerts, and festivals.
Hoover's Hometown Days
If you're in town during Hoover's Hometown Days, it's a must-attend. The festival celebrates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, who spent much of his early life in West Branch, Iowa.
Parks and Recreation
Explore the local parks. Jefferson has several parks where you can enjoy a picnic, play some sports, or simply relax. Rotary Waterfront Park is a nice spot to enjoy the outdoors.
Jefferson Golf Course
If you're a golf enthusiast, try the Jefferson Golf Course. It's a scenic 18-hole course that caters to all skill levels.
Historical Walking... Read MORE...
Riverwalk
Take a stroll along the Rock River on the Riverwalk. It's a beautiful and peaceful path, perfect for a leisurely walk or a romantic evening.
Jefferson County Fair Park
Check out events and fairs happening at the Jefferson County Fair Park. They host a variety of events throughout the year, including fairs, concerts, and festivals.
Hoover's Hometown Days
If you're in town during Hoover's Hometown Days, it's a must-attend. The festival celebrates the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, who spent much of his early life in West Branch, Iowa.
Parks and Recreation
Explore the local parks. Jefferson has several parks where you can enjoy a picnic, play some sports, or simply relax. Rotary Waterfront Park is a nice spot to enjoy the outdoors.
Jefferson Golf Course
If you're a golf enthusiast, try the Jefferson Golf Course. It's a scenic 18-hole course that caters to all skill levels.
Historical Walking... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Jefferson Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jefferson, Wisconsin, USA
We currently have information about 6 ancestors who were born or died in Jefferson.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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