Sheboygan Falls: The Rise of a Mill Town

Nestled upriver from the Sheboygan River’s namesake falls, Sheboygan Falls emerged in the 19th century as a thriving industrial center, harnessing the power of the river to fuel its growth. The city’s story begins in 1835 when Silas Stedman, a Massachusetts-born pioneer, discovered the falls and recognized their potential for waterpower. This discovery would set the stage for the city’s transformation from a quiet settlement to an important mill town in early Wisconsin.

The Founding of Sheboygan Falls

In 1836, Stedman purchased land near the falls and platted a village initially named Rochester. He quickly recognized the potential for industrial development in the area and built the first sawmill at the falls, providing the foundation for a small industrial center. As the settlement grew, so did its industries. By the late 1840s, Rochester was home to a bustling industrial hub, featuring three sawmills, a tannery, two flour mills, and an iron foundry—an impressive cluster of mills for its time.

In 1850, to avoid confusion with another Rochester in Wisconsin, the state legislature officially renamed the settlement Sheboygan Falls. This new name cemented the community’s identity and its connection to the Sheboygan River’s falls, which would continue to serve as the driving force behind its development.

Industrial Prosperity and Architectural Growth

Throughout the 19th century, Sheboygan Falls prospered as a mill town. The river’s waterpower was harnessed by numerous factories and workshops, fueling the city’s early furniture manufacturing industry and other enterprises. As the industrial base grew, so did the downtown area, which became a hub of commercial activity.

The historic downtown area of Sheboygan Falls has been preserved as the Sheboygan Falls Historic District, offering a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century past. Over 40 buildings in the district have been carefully restored to their original appearances, showcasing architectural styles from the Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian periods. These buildings, which include brick commercial blocks and mill structures, tell the story of Sheboygan Falls’ early industrial boom and remain a key local landmark.

The 20th Century and Beyond

Sheboygan Falls’ industrial legacy continued into the 20th century with the establishment of the Bemis Manufacturing Company, known for its production of plastics and toilet seats. While the city’s industries evolved over time, Sheboygan Falls never lost its connection to its roots as a picturesque mill town. The falls, the dam, and the historic downtown area remain central to the city’s identity, offering a glimpse of the early industries that helped shape the region.

Conclusion

From its origins as a small settlement at the Sheboygan River’s falls, Sheboygan Falls grew into a vibrant mill town thanks to the resourcefulness of early pioneers like Silas Stedman. The city’s strategic use of waterpower and the industries that flourished along the river laid the foundation for its prosperity. Today, Sheboygan Falls stands as a proud reminder of Wisconsin’s industrial past, with its historic downtown and preserved buildings capturing the essence of early American industry. The city’s legacy as a mill town remains a point of pride, and the falls themselves continue to be an important local landmark, symbolizing the spirit of Sheboygan Falls and its place in the state’s history.