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Sheboygan County is located in the state of Wisconsin, United States. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk tribes. European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, mainly from Germany and Luxembourg, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.
Sheboygan County was officially established in 1836 and named after the Sheboygan River, which runs through the county. The county’s economy initially revolved around agriculture, particularly dairy farming, due to its rich soil and proximity to Lake Michigan. Over time, the area experienced industrial growth, with the establishment of manufacturing companies, including those in the furniture, automotive, and food processing industries.
Today, Sheboygan County is known for its cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving tourism industry, with attractions such as the Kohler-Andrae State Park and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Sheboygan County, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, offers several interesting historic sites for visitors. Here are some notable ones:
1. Wade House Historic Site
- Location: Greenbush, WI
- Overview: The Wade House is a preserved 19th-century stagecoach inn, built in the 1850s to accommodate travelers moving between the bustling cities of Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. Visitors can explore the inn, a working blacksmith shop, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which holds a large collection of 19th-century carriages and wagons.
- Highlights: Period actors, horse-drawn wagon rides, and demonstrations of blacksmithing and other historic trades make this site especially engaging.
2. Sheboygan County Historical Museum
- Location: Sheboygan, WI
- Overview: This museum showcases the history of Sheboygan County from its early Native American inhabitants through its industrialization. The museum complex includes an 1864 cheese factory, a 1890s log cabin, and the 1850s Taylor House.
- Highlights: Exhibits on the county’s shipbuilding industry, early immigrant life, and displays of local artifacts make this a must-see for history buffs.
3. Henschel’s Indian Museum and Trout Farm
- Location: Elkhart Lake, WI
- Overview: This unique site offers insight into the Native American history of the area, with a museum showcasing artifacts found on the Henschel family farm over many decades. These artifacts, which date back to prehistoric times, include arrowheads, tools, and pottery.
- Highlights: The museum gives a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once lived in the region. Visitors can also enjoy the trout farm and fishing.
4. Plymouth Historical Society Museum
- Location: Plymouth, WI
- Overview: Located in downtown Plymouth, this museum is housed in a historic building and contains exhibits on the town’s history, with a particular focus on the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibits cover local industries, transportation, and daily life in Plymouth.
- Highlights: One standout is the vintage soda fountain that visitors can still use, giving a taste of early 20th-century life.
5. John Michael Kohler Arts Center
- Location: Sheboygan, WI
- Overview: While not solely a historic site, the Kohler Arts Center is an important cultural institution in Sheboygan. The center is located in the former Kohler family homestead and is known for its commitment to the arts and community engagement. The site includes an expansive collection of folk and vernacular art.
- Highlights: The center also celebrates Sheboygan’s industrial history, particularly the Kohler Company’s impact on design and culture.
6. Sheboygan Lighthouse and Pier
- Location: Sheboygan, WI
- Overview: Sheboygan’s lighthouse, dating back to the 1800s, is an iconic structure along Lake Michigan’s shore. The lighthouse and pier have played an essential role in guiding ships into the harbor for over a century.
- Highlights: Though you can’t enter the lighthouse, the area around it offers stunning views of the lake and a sense of the vital maritime history of the region.
7. Settlers Park
- Location: Sheboygan Falls, WI
- Overview: Located near the falls on the Sheboygan River, this park commemorates the early European settlers who established Sheboygan Falls in the 1800s. Visitors can walk along the river and see the historic downtown area, with buildings dating back to the 19th century.
- Highlights: The park offers a peaceful place to reflect on the area’s settlement history and the natural beauty that first attracted settlers.
8. Kohler Design Center
- Location: Kohler, WI
- Overview: While it is primarily a showcase of modern design, the Kohler Design Center also delves into the history of the Kohler Company, which has been a significant part of Sheboygan County’s development since the late 19th century. The center offers a history gallery that covers the company’s evolution from its origins in the early 1900s.
- Highlights: The historic artifacts, product designs, and company innovations offer a unique perspective on industrial history.
Sheboygan County offers a rich tapestry of sites that appeal to those interested in everything from early Native American history to 19th-century settlement life, maritime history, and industrial design.
